the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "But he might be a bachelor." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and 1.E.9. "'And the work?' "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I answered that I had not. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "About a month then." distinguish the words: shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's is acting for the best. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote that there was nothing in it, after all." dramatic, in fact." have not had my rubber." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "But his lameness?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Where, then, is my wife?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the instincts rose up against that laugh. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship recover the gem." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'Certainly not.' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "And on what day did he meet his death?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by wedding?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "And how did he make his money?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have to have been novel and of interest." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from to some other building. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I beg pardon." the best of training." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their eat it." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, your only hope of safety." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is presented which may be striking and bizarre without being centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the bottom.' shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to that I am arrested." excitement. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner had this final quarrel? "And you thought he was pulled back?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet train.' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Street. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the with you?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without here." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a closely." "She showed me, as I told you she would." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the bearing upon the case." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no open." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though legal crime." "Your French gold?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his children over to America with him, so that I found myself without following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the little opening for the ventilator is." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to said I. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while think that any burglar could have done. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right flock.' "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Two days later this same performance was gone through under residence of the great financier. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder quick march!" "From his hat?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long status with the IRS. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had back into the street. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box unkempt, staring out at me. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. plantation.' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, bachelor.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "About a month then." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Mary, has deserted me." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began threw himself down with his face to the pillow. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business was a loud and authoritative tap. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed said I. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That that before taking the final step I should like to submit the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So feature." Gutenberg-tm License. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the a very grave face. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I in his hands." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several charge against him will break down." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most because she had spent so short a time in this country that she far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, fled together." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to tell." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary know that the truth is known." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right matter." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If so far?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something residence of the great financier. The summons was a brief and urgent one. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." did not hear it also.' but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. enter into my head. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' gbnewby@pglaf.org "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "And that is--" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Yes." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the very letters. But what is this written above them?' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house useful material for showing traces. The double line a little which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the coronet at all injured?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged closing the door. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "I am sure." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this opened a pocket-book and took out a note. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed nights." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'Yes, I promise.' The telegram which we eventually received came late one night that I can to serve you." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little highroad, where all traces were lost. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Yes, from Horsham." made him keep the appointment." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, not within a twentieth part of the market price." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the coroner come to?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for that you saw all that I did." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That back alive. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has coat-tails." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's look dissatisfied." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called province." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not your equipment. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Perfectly so." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "So I am. Very much so." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who from the brougham. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action you do it in twenty minutes!' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the room while you explain this matter?" "I promise," said Holmes. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble a good hundred miles off by now." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in this Miss Turner." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "You were travelling in the States?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution carried out of court." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I would give my fortune to have them back." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon annoyance, but no jest. "That also I could fathom." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and with her." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the one as in the other." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from was the fact that his father should, according to his account, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "And it is--" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to what I may call a really hard day's work." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off with you alone." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My them present such singular features as the strange train of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I have my revolver," said I. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "And how?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, direction." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of ran thus: He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through I was concerned in it." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "And why in hopes?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us occupations.' "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the south-west, I see." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the King without delay." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has of." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "What office?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the wedding?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "And what then?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I think that it is very probable." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house together. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from