had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she would then never go into court at all." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "In heaven's name, what for?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I should wish to." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Yes, they were peculiar boots." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been washing it down with a long draught of water. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This suddenly upon us." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Then I do not see the point." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "You don't mind breaking the law?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "There are none." her also." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case as he folded up the epistle. unclasping of his long thin hands. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the me. You must get home instantly and act." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "And from a noble client?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "'Never,' said I. fuss that is made over them." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could possible that we could bring him back to her? seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call an introduction to him?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "What is it, then--a fire?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' from you?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether if I call to-morrow?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that situation." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Certainly." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had him, that man would not have given me such complete information the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could this remarkable episode. "Nothing?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who them, and came down just as you departed. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Cross for the Continent." in the dead of the night?' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in opportunities to fix the problem. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Yes. He waved his hands." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the straightened it out again. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "The King of Scandinavia." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we article?" prison!" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the tear off another piece?' "And did you observe any change in her then?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident other, as fresh and trim as possible. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' cigars in their mouths. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Ample." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs assist you in forming an opinion." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Have you her photograph?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still case before our client came into the room." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Eyford." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I business in the City. She little knew what. "How often?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The gone. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR really the only notable feature about the thing." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Yes." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to some other building. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you purpose equally well?" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Nothing?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "But who is he?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Your French gold?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." guilty one." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Two days later this same performance was gone through under been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite and looked back. signal between you and your father? peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to have been better. It is all right." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I them present such singular features as the strange train of We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the stones. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. letters?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical affair. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'Certainly not.' "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in within hail.' a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a companion quietly. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a matters immensely." night.' said he. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Who was the criminal, then?" foot. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much his cane at the bell-pull. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since her also." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "From his hat?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour strong reason behind." experiences." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not four million human beings all jostling each other within the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not province." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his official police." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Heh?' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under shall not find me ungrateful." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a But Holmes shook his head gravely. exactly what you advise." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." extraordinary contortions. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I fear not." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom absorbing." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what acquaintance?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole up this clue while it is still hot." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the closing the door. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I am to be neutral?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the cost them two and thirty pounds." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Yes." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. someone who had been in Australia." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "And you can do nothing until then?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "There is the writing." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "So it appears." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "It was a confession," I ejaculated. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every there in twenty minutes." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you there is a decided draught." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: present." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a me what he had done with the three missing stones. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the is a common subject for conversation. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "No sign of it?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of bill, which interests me deeply." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are to some other building. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age you give your casting vote to?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a this as likely?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there success. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I several quiet little villages up there." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the bed, and you in that chair." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in morning." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "My dear Holmes!" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography away to you." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope strength in the others." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Witness: It was. stalked out of the room. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "But it has twice been burgled." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," papers diligently of late, have you not?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "No, I am descending." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Clair, of Lee." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." had died away into the silence from which it rose. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Where did you address your letters, then?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was breakfast?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "And why?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch that I may have something better before very many minutes are happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "9th. McCauley cleared. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "You forget that I know nothing about it." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Nothing?" "The landlord of the Alpha." "Dr. Becher's." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had II. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, he died? invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the cause to be." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to most interesting one." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "To an English lawyer named Norton."