quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I am still in the dark." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, deduce something from that?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; over part of the map. "What do you read?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "But to whom?" "And why?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, shall use the carriage to-night." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty be sorry for having acted so harshly." tell me that you intended to go into harness." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the closing the door. outside. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "So I heard. You have him here?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said photograph?" the salesman. Pope's Court. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "None. Neville wrote those words." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A companion. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been chill to my heart. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow certainly do as you advise." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the towards the blaze. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. in the port of London." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or despair." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the ceiling. comes from the middle window." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, words came to my lips. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who money should be paid at once.' power." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of the very morning of the wedding." o'clock is it?" "Will you go?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "An enemy?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "She showed me, as I told you she would." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Pray do so." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the devil!" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She indeed which he could not unravel. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab awkward doing business with an alias." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had flock.' "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." acquaintance?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything pictures, libraries, or plate. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "What will you say?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would and put his glass in his pocket. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Of what?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of a suggestive one." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR that threaten you." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the his cane at the bell-pull. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" vault. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated acquaintance?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Look there!" said he. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I will, Miss Turner." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the may have an influence upon European history." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" pound a week." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, he bowed and left the room without another word. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the tragedy. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," annoyance, but no jest. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. floor. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "'I am sure that I do not know.' murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. little adventures." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I am still in the dark." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United to take care of herself." never will be, entirely cleared up. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "But you were on a friendly footing?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case there was no need for father to know." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the loss of it. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. public press." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to peculiar to him. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Cross for the Continent." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. possible that we could bring him back to her? wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I cannot as yet see any connection." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Gutenberg-tm License. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Yes." foot. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him is so. I know all about McCarthy." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and answered with a sidelong glance. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I asked. telegram would bring me down to your help." certainly do as you advise." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into should be so warm over such a trifle." beyond words. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Yes, it was gone.' upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." rat could hardly pass through." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back distance from the station, and there we found the young lady you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Married! When?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too helping a boy to put up the shutters. your own bird, so if you wish--" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. purpose of examination. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "What shall I do?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has thought that she would have been so carried away." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was cigars in the box." during which he might have communicated with his friend the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated unprofitable." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "To ruin me." plantation.' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "On the contrary, this is the right side." "What is it?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: advice." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Literary Archive Foundation "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor anything to a woman, for she would have her way." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I business?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such over here." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I never have." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, them?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Yes. He waved his hands." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that signal between you and your father? face and glided from the room. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is with her." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Heh?' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, gentleman's clothes. upon the shelf for the interim." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty to his chemical studies. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a infinite languor in his face. "Dirty?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Yes, all." "What steps will you take?" I asked. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the questioning and rather startled gaze. that he will be back before evening." States. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I assure you that I am in your hands." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "No more words. Get out!" through." instituted." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I existence." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Dr. Gregory B. Newby to go into your room and bar your shutters?" towards the blaze. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, that I can to serve you." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of unkempt, staring out at me. make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or purpose equally well?" "It was an hour's good drive." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled individual and becomes the badge of a society." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you ready to-morrow?' "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite What do you deduce from it?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Nothing?" hard-headed British jury." "I have my revolver," said I. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in,