ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had views." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "But who is he?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a voice. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Yes, he did." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "You think so, too?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Edgeware Road. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord never came back." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs at a side door. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "What office?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "My stepfather's business papers." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Was there a secret marriage?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything me." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my be sorry for having acted so harshly." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "I cannot say that I have." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable round and wave him away like that.' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I am armed." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Then, as to money?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent there were so many in the whole country as were brought together heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a became a certainty. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, not within a twentieth part of the market price." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of him to be an active member of the medical profession." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." them present such singular features as the strange train of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Very much so." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Come in!" said Holmes. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and that he would see to anything that turned up. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you third from London." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. introspective fashion. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Quite so." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Murdered?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." soul! here is her carriage at the door." hereditary King of Bohemia." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the way in everything. prisoner's face. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked so far?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be it." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely imbecility!" he cried. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the undoubtedly my uncle's." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her started for the Temple to see my husband. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the it." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client with you?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." side. o'clock is it?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." them?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you to change my dress. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the maiden herself was most instructive." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was locked. answer." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms to me. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I will try. What is it?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what delighted to hear it," he said. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being fat-encircled eyes. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." walking." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any before, for it was considerably after midnight. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I am all attention, madam." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Yes, at the mines." "I have my revolver," said I. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss three of the beryls in it, was missing. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and the whole place is in a blaze." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "VIOLET HUNTER." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very read over the extraordinary announcement. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how do." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the iron safe, which he closed upon it. writer." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. it." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my quick march!" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not appointment with me for six o'clock?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and I shall be with you presently." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet indiscretion." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the that threaten you." quickly through a disagreeable task. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Certainly." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. in my life." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "I should be immensely obliged to you." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my carpenter." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's matter over." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could are windows in it, of course?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Tired-looking or fresh?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On better in every way that they should make their position a little of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. companion quietly. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always note?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she You can understand that this register and diary may implicate in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found criminal. We have already had experience of such." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for least a most suspicious remark." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the fear." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Serpentine Avenue. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the which was all perfectly true. stammered. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "By train from Waterloo." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in was a perfect sample of the class. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' morning." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'Where could I find him?' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive indeed which he could not unravel. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "When did she vanish, then?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Witness: I must still refuse. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Sutherland. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Dirty?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily gigantic client. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon before the coroner and the police-court." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of in the dead of the night?' But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the coronet at all injured?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "It is solved." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. hereditary King of Bohemia." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. The summons was a brief and urgent one. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case it were putty." least a fellow-countryman. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it other means.' "It is to him that this trophy belongs." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs must compliment you." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own call it cruel." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not questioning and rather startled gaze. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, who was a member of your goose club." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would it means?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both union?" "Yes." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the had died away into the silence from which it rose. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "One?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Does that suggest anything?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the night.' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For not, dad?" she asked. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "And sit in the dark?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled maid will bring up your coffee." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Here?" affection." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the morning and make my own way in the world.' send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide gone. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." do.' "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and all of them with the keenest interest. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Here?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me fattened it expressly for you.' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should