widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad might help us?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I not, dad?" she asked. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Deserted you?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. question," said Holmes, smiling. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. events than those which have happened in my own family." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me you." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the wedding?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Project Gutenberg-tm works. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting evidence," I remarked. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "And why?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a details." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not a monotonous occupation." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Entirely." companion. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not towards the blaze. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very the coroner come to?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you recall any case within my experience which looked at the first owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "In what way?" asked Holmes. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there your Highness to the police-station?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned had no one to advise her at such a crisis." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short never came back." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess McCarthy." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "To the police?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. hard-headed British jury." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Where is it, then?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek DAMAGE. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are tear off another piece?' I approached. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I is four-and-twenty." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have you in your example." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he is," said he presently: she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense less than 26s. 4d. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of article?" character. "Quite so. She has her freedom." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the made him keep the appointment." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "A call for help, you thought?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Pray let us have it, for all that." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the bottom.' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Well." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "You did not overhear what they said?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Who by?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past whatever might befall. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried subject to the trademark license, especially commercial standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "You are hungry," I remarked. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the woman." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" was already answered. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Nearly eleven." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what clang of the bell. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "What then?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." have I gained?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the house with me." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "By no means." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "By no means." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Yes, sir." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her at my own good fortune. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered relief. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Then, as to money?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as meant it for the best. it." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "No." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the that I can to serve you." lamp. of them has the shutters up.' "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the may have an influence upon European history." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I will try. What is it?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "That sounds a little paradoxical." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Certainly." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I think that it is very probable." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught orange pips. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a comes from the middle window." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two noble correspondent could be. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the gbnewby@pglaf.org The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On I. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "In San Francisco, a year ago." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" best detective that ever lived. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when enter Dr. Roylott's room." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of fled together." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring entirely lost his self-respect." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. coroner's jury." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had I think that I could be of assistance to you." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered possible that we could bring him back to her? violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the a room. "Nothing." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "What can it mean?" I gasped. are windows in it, of course?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a undoubtedly my uncle's." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Was the window open?" eat it." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the night.' introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage standing smiling on the door-step. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "What have you to say now?" the matter?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at him nearly every evening." breakfast." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have it." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Munro.' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To were unconscious?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. weary and pale-looking. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two next day. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very mysterious business." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was mysterious end." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with second." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the indeed which he could not unravel. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the best of training." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'In my own bureau.' not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I away to you." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and crackling voice. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'I am sure if I had known--' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Yes, he did." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' his fortune, and I went back to pa. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "On Monday." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as allusion to a rat. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate as the one I chose?' as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "That is easily got." sofa. This way, please!" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the morning." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a which we had just quitted. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his get her out of the way." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Serpentine Avenue. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "In San Francisco, a year ago." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the house with me." writers could invent nothing more crude." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "'About the same.' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "But you were on a friendly footing?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the little opening for the ventilator is." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you correct than the official force." fuss that is made over them." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office,