"I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "It certainly sounds feasible." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his vague figure huddled up in the darkness. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about voice, changing her seat as requested. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "It is no ordinary one." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke any." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted little trying to do so much typewriting?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Witness: It was. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church good for you to do.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! you do it in twenty minutes!' squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and ready to-morrow?' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was congenial hunt. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general some place of shelter and let the county police know what has deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, legal crime." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "9th. McCauley cleared. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, absorbing." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his advice." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "How about poison?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Imitated." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a cup of tea. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have experiences." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with up this clue while it is still hot." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "What, then?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Watson," he said cordially. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford them, and came down just as you departed. "No, my brougham is waiting." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Yes, there are nearly always some there." noting anything else of interest. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause spark where all is dark to me." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "No?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the his wife has ceased to love him." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "But his lameness?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my shaken than I had ever seen him. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "This concluded the examination of the witness." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out for and were ordered to this address. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about voice, changing her seat as requested. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave of your young ladies.' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Yesterday." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I am in hopes that she does." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though be best to do. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone up this clue while it is still hot." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off presented which may be striking and bizarre without being conclusions. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest whatever might befall. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are interested in these little problems, and since you are good "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil away to you." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "This photograph!" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. way: "Certainly." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately wedding?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to fluttered off among the others. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I should like to see him very much." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He out of this horrible affair." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Well?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "He is dead," cried several voices. presented more singular features than that which was associated have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "How often?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my way in everything. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a some terrible trap for her." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "That is not always so easy." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a than to us. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included putting in the horse. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I am still in the dark." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must present strange and interesting features that it is no easy I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Stoke Moran." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat both be extremely obliged.' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving stammered. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it against a man in the prime of life?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a correct than the official force." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could not, dad?" she asked. "Yes." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so quick march!" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him goes." "Yes, all." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I guessed as much." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then you want, then?' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this then?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. on in his house." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to house for five minutes.' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Foundation the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted down from London to inquire more deeply into it." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the seem to you to be relevant or not." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Holmes' face clouded over. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I IS nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "How did that help you?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. are, and they are waiting for us." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, chair. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come some water from a caraffe. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. with some details as to your case." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that for securing the situation." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "I was mad--insane." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such away into the river." was shining brightly. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and flock.' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I that you saw all that I did." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements went to the Alpha were town bred." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could province." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Get out!" said he. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'And what salary do you ask?' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "I cannot think." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest had formerly been in part my own. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" not fit the lock." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' undoubtedly my uncle's." have established a very serious case against the son of the events than those which have happened in my own family." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "What!" he roared. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless them?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for again." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no newspaper selections." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the late." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the station." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Why? What do you mean?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you but preventing her from injuring another. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "But we can't all be." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the Assizes." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event said I. him, that man would not have given me such complete information when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to been able to understand it, in a very few words. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; you, my dear young lady?' "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable meanly of me." "And the murderer?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I was afraid that you were engaged." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. infinite languor in his face. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "When did it break out?" "Stolen, then." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to man. I know him from the photograph." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young prepare for the new role I have to play." existence." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "In San Francisco, a year ago." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. his huge brown hands. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the there is a decided draught." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I if only as a check to my own memory." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'Certainly not. But why?' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his I think that I could be of assistance to you." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe 11:15.' "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "What of the rat, then?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Have you good authority for what you say?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing points in connection with it which never have been, and probably his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'Entirely.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She your equipment. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if system of imprisonment?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid