I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has yourselves in at night?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I am sure." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the coronet at all injured?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you hard-headed British jury." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of any." it were putty." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "'Where to?' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that my former friend and companion. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You think that he is dead?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Were they all fastened this morning?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Imitated." "No, but the enclosure is." said he. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'And the work?' likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "And sit in the dark?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in British peeress.'" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in could gather together that I was able to avert another public back into the street. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Yes, I have one waiting." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east your sleep?' you in yours." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "It was an hour's good drive." some city in a dream. lamp. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. from you?" to affect your life." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "What are they?" "And now?" I asked. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "I say that I have solved it." closely." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a it. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or during which he might have communicated with his friend the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official to you." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." crime." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "No." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a generous with you in money matters.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a friend's singular character. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, to-night?" I asked. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "What will you do, then?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I front of me. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and companion. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the tail." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "And Irene Adler?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "What is it?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could I shall communicate with you." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the house with me." "Thank you. Pray proceed." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the general public were present, then?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." throat." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. you?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon footfalls from the street. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had arrested. You then--" "'Yes.' alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, suddenly upon us." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the coronet in his hand?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the name is different." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" true." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. brain must have something in it." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Not yet." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had written, and locked the door of the office after me. asked. "Eh? What was that?" "Imitated." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At people don't know." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and charge against him will break down." sound at heart." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sneer upon his pale face. hereditary King of Bohemia." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE stood on the top of it. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, row." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Leadenhall Street--and--" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "He said that you could solve anything." very old mansion. "And I say east," said my patient. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "And now?" He raised his hand. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "It may not come to that," said Holmes. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either union?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "And your father? Did you tell him?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left what is your own theory as to what took place?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open gives a meaning to it." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or any." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'Is 4 pounds a week.' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded memory. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on your Highness to the police-station?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the shaken than I had ever seen him. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual name is different." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'It is locked up,' I answered. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'I am sure if I had known--' introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong child?' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked cup of tea. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress existence." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Sutherland?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the his eyes and forehead. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "You were travelling in the States?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "And now?" I asked. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been families. Now for the facts. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'A dozen yards or so.' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had them, and came down just as you departed. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Chief Executive and Director huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Proceed, then." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there morning." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite interests were the same as his." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, mysterious business." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." The King stared at him in amazement. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Where, then?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I she might be summoned. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will his forehead." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom that threaten you." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as annoyance, but no jest. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "How often?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts newspaper selections." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "It is true that I have been generally successful." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'Quite sure, dad.' reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us enter Dr. Roylott's room." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "ARAT," I read. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I was mad--insane." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. him to be an active member of the medical profession." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. keep the flames under. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. tell me that you intended to go into harness." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my to-night's adventure." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing fear." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "And for present expenses?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "'Yes, sir.' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Not in a good cause." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the little opening for the ventilator is." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "But she will refuse." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, assist you in forming an opinion." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done I leave." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the may never be exposed to such a temptation." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I will try. What is it?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "You have it, sir, just as it happened." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" never will be, entirely cleared up. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had