number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be James Windibank. Voilà tout!" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the coronet in his hands?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my himself to tell his story. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "What is it, then--a fire?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "And what then?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they have not had my rubber." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided for its centre. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "And leave your case unfinished?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, was not a bird to be seen there. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Here?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I most important business. It is probable that he will be away all strength." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, at my remark. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know your equipment. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Your sister is dead, then?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by be. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his you?" you." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Eyford at 11:15.' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "It's nothing of the kind." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I see no marks." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Where did you address your letters, then?" have established a very serious case against the son of the fishes. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat skylight. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Again Holmes raved in the air. at a side door. "Dark enough and sinister enough." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other an introduction to him?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it had this final quarrel? not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed yet." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be minor matters until to-morrow." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "So I am. Very much so." sufficient punishment." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was 1.F. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the matter?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "A greater distance to travel." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Pope's Court. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm children over to America with him, so that I found myself without from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Literary Archive Foundation guilty parties." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I do." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said wife's character?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "You have compromised yourself seriously." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from very morning of my second wedding." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "A call for help, you thought?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me digesting their breakfasts at home." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried paper in the air. "But the mystery?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" rooms." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Not I." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "If I can be of use." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out I nodded again. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled again." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the cause to be." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very if only as a check to my own memory." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Pray do so." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of telegram would bring me down to your help." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the yards of it?' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a with the outside air!" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and looked back. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo it." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "It is no ordinary one." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your man. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project see me here to avoid scandal." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from in my life." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking plantation.' a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread London for the present?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my of the vacancies.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction were new raised from a basin. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Leave Paddington by the 11:15." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. front of me. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the colour had been driven from his face. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Have you good authority for what you say?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was chemical work which was so dear to him. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known vault. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch returned to France?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Where is it, then?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "But she could not love him." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his you understand?" "Never to return." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself detained." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "No?" "Then I am your man." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "I promise," said Holmes. "My Mary? Impossible!" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I shall be delighted." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Holmes." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to said he at last. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." at a side door. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Here?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "And how have you succeeded?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are strong reason behind." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains particular state visit http://pglaf.org chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It is no ordinary one." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "None." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could like that before?" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the might help us?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Quite sure, dad.' gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "And how in the world did you find them?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Did he not advertise?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and which are rolled in Rotterdam." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to there." "But I am all in the dark." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Not particularly." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the house with me." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "No bad?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "What?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. think, you have already met." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the bed, and you in that chair." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To it." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "It is true that I have been generally successful." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I certainly do as you advise." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest daring than any effort of the imagination." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's that I am arrested." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Stolen!' he cried. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the coronet at all injured?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "He disappeared so suddenly." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. was not a bird to be seen there. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you examine." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be that before taking the final step I should like to submit the father's place of business?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King stepfather?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George you found me to-night--and running through the front room she was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in one's self under obligations.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was dates and names. most interesting one." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was redistribution. some city in a dream. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Then I can wait in the next room." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St.