three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over should be taken.' acted in my house last night?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the that there was nothing in it, after all." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "What then?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the running down." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and mystery!" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that definite end. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" his knees, staring into the fire. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I don't believe it." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I one of them." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, guilty parties." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors murdered man." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of suspect him." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil know what is wrong with it.' peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. not come at once?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and not within a twentieth part of the market price." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I together. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "What!" he roared. them, and came down just as you departed. fuss that is made over them." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. an introduction to him?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my away into the river." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from at home. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. touch that coronet?' the room while you explain this matter?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my some water from a caraffe. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly to-night." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "What!" he roared. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'Ample.' shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I have my revolver," said I. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, works. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Certainly." "I have a cab outside." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our of his shoulders. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Was he the only applicant?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Of Friday, June 19th." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the asked with his eyes open. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." were new raised from a basin. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "No, I think that I'll take it." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot prisoner's face. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his ordinary clothes on?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, strength in the others." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works we went to search for him, face downward in a little would apply.' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The assist you in forming an opinion." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature case before our client came into the room." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying him to be an active member of the medical profession." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me the warnings." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, breakfast." "Yes, it would be as well." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense than to us. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the thin legs towards the fire. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." them?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The business." "Here?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you secret." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," residence of the great financier. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I did not hear it also.' did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. murdered man." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been woman who has had her own way to make in the world. fasten all the windows?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "That also I could fathom." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the morning and make my own way in the world.' bird I ate is country bred." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm someone who had been in Australia." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "And your mother is alive?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are I approached. not within a twentieth part of the market price." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow village inn over there?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "And now?" I asked. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel mystery!" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "At half-wages, in fact." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Munro.' your troubles." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "They are typewritten," I remarked. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the side-table." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is be. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "And Irene Adler?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "But not more so than I to find you." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, undoubtedly my uncle's." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "'And the work?' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and the whole place is in a blaze." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what The King stared at him in amazement. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Not I." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as upon the white wrist. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given did not hear it also.' cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' pictures, libraries, or plate. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. he. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And are, and they are waiting for us." of Mr. Rucastle's." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Come in!" said he. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the galvanised. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "But how?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself opened the door, and slipped through. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "'And the work?' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when on in his house." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that stalked out of the room. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the think that he is innocent?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Oh, yes, easily." "How about poison?" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into one which it was hard to resist. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking have accepted such a situation. for the market.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the there was no need for father to know." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "That is unusual in a young girl." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his unkempt, staring out at me. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can what do you think they found in the pockets?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'I shall certainly be there.' copied or distributed: Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Does that suggest anything?" anything to do with the matter?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too conceal it?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his again on its way. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with prison!" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in about. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "'And the work?' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "My Mary? Impossible!" not as remarkable as your advertisement." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Where does the thing come from?' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, than to us. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear chambers. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Foundation "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'Ample.' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." his knees, staring into the fire. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' present." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Never to return." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in even of instruction." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "That also I could fathom." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No remarked. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, client, rising. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the his forehead." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. himself to tell his story. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face enough to aid us in our search." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the new acquaintance to Baker Street. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." one else, I think." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he