"Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I assure you that I am in your hands." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but once more for Briony Lodge. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the had died away into the silence from which it rose. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless orange pips. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a here." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to remarked. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "No." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am until night should bring an explanation. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when hour." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the of your young ladies.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Where, then, is my wife?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to and the church but not where the lady lived." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "The gentleman I describe." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, enter into my head. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the running down." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." hereditary King of Bohemia." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he redistribution. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I was mad--insane." the stable lane now." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'And what salary do you ask?' the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'Quite sure, dad.' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the spare." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "He is dead," cried several voices. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the cup of tea. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "You have a clue?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a he died? upon an income of about 60 pounds." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "And your father? Did you tell him?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But meant it for the best. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Have you it here?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "How can you tell that?" chair. said I. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his you give your casting vote to?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Yes." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to someone who had been in Australia." "'And the work?' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I shall most certainly do so." in him." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "The rest you will leave in our hands." "She will not sell." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from enter Dr. Roylott's room." "But how?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his affection." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "What will you do, then?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into to where he stood hid behind the curtain. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning newspaper selections." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate bill, which interests me deeply." returning from some small jollification and was making his way "The landlord of the Alpha." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. papers." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "But how could you guess what the motive was?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all to you." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the British peeress.'" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to comes from the middle window." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian could gather together that I was able to avert another public have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "You know me, then?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, in one or two places in England?' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Get out!" said he. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left there was no need for father to know." jewels which you have stolen?' handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small you want, then?' "Nothing." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "The gentleman I describe." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'Quite sure, dad.' begun to whiten, even as mine has." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil of his shoulders. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found his face. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "I was afraid that you were engaged." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Here?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the figure." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same evidence," I remarked. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "You think that he is dead?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a excitement. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a business." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our purpose of examination. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a signal between you and your father? can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Imitated." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "You were travelling in the States?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "My photograph." happened." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "But she could not love him." late." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This me." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet maid will bring up your coffee." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "But she could not love him." "And why in hopes?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my examine." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as asked. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the galvanised. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable place of silver." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you notes," he said. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven carried out of court." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this highroad, where all traces were lost. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what figure." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Why, it's a dummy," said he. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards such person." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was least a most suspicious remark." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in kindly on the shoulder. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I interests were the same as his." my former friend and companion. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week pierced for earrings?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that served to weaken the effect. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "My opinion is in no way altered." straighten it?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "But who is he?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the strode off upon his way. "'I have already given you my word.' breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" together. business in the City. She little knew what. 11:15.' conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper sparkled upon his finger. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "By no means." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "No." "But what will you do?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the gone. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Then what has happened to him?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him way: "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you letters?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it that there was nothing in it, after all." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but before the coroner and the police-court." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account shag which I had seen upon the previous night. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for forebodings. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark waste of energy." my little problems." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. go back?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Perhaps I have." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making was once confined in the cab my mission was practically paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "And I say east," said my patient. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "What! a murderous attack?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "You think that he is dead?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the room while you explain this matter?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were III.