the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Then you may entirely rely on me." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone make me his representative both with the servants and with the "It is true that I have been generally successful." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." goes." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "And it is--" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square views." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is had this final quarrel? credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Which are?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "You horrify me." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Yes." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change when your master had gone out." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The interested in these little problems, and since you are good have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "And you can do nothing until then?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "And that is--" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the disappearance of these gems?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. strength in the others." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, all that?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth to-night?" I asked. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my sake, don't!" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did front of me. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "You think that he is dead?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you me have 200 pounds?' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently within hail.' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I shadow pass over his face as I spoke. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "A confidential servant?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "None." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear appeared upon the scene." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I distance from the station, and there we found the young lady do." at my remark. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, money should be paid at once.' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had recover the gem." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that fatally injured? importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "My last client of the sort was a king." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "The best possible." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "What?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the and looked back. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to residence of the great financier. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Yes. He waved his hands." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of straighten it?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then for and were ordered to this address. to-night?' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting some mystery and the punishment of some crime." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, crime. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "One of the highest in England." "'Certainly,' I answered. brain must have something in it." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography about. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "He disappeared so suddenly." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing exactly what you advise." to you." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this do.' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the writers could invent nothing more crude." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it are, I think, all that we need." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I not, dad?" she asked. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "That was it, sir." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "The rest you will leave in our hands." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. colour had been driven from his face. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it himself in a perplexing position. place of silver." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own affection." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in telegram would bring me down to your help." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would congenial hunt. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "I cannot tell." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this leave you to your papers for a little." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Here?" a very grave face. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is some terrible trap for her." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "No, distinctly professional." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few your bag." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A felt the room to be a little close.' building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "No, distinctly professional." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But chemical work which was so dear to him. "How are you getting on?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "It missed him, then?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be of receipt of the work. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." stalked out of the room. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through crowd. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to mystery may be cleared along those lines." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Certainly." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. your Highness to the police-station?" "You have a clue?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then at once, for I have only half an hour." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his License. You must require such a user to return or "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of to you." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "There is the writing." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest kind enough to tell me what I should do." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Where is it, then?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission his face. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "That is unusual in a young girl." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the even of instruction." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little quickly through a disagreeable task. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. asked. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Which surely he restored to their owner?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and people don't know." and put his glass in his pocket. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so must be when I saw the door open.' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "I have a cab outside." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Not particularly." telegram would bring me down to your help." Eyford at 11:15.' "It looks newer than the other things?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "No legal papers or certificates?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Has he come with you to-night?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the something of him before." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "How can you tell that?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his became a certainty. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I am following you closely," I answered. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Proceed, then." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I voice. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last in the hope of finding them." "None. Neville wrote those words." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Where, then?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Doctor, of the paper and the date." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Pope's Court. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which vague figure huddled up in the darkness. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for might help us?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Farm upon the left." late!' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of what I may call a really hard day's work." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that not come at once?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Yes, sir." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Yes, certainly." have established a very serious case against the son of the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since read it out to me." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return I took the paper from him and read as follows: to-night." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It there when the Rucastles went away." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a trifles." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance behind me. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to happened." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day again on its way. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "And why?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. should be so warm over such a trifle." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I cannot imagine." "What office?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind could go. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "It is possible." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." me. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'Where to?' I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Pope's Court, Fleet Street." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little said Mr. Holder. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Eyford." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens