"If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Certainly." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler you, my dear young lady?' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite of the vacancies.' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" very morning of my second wedding." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the so-precious time, but come!' who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I answered that I had not. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" made his money." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a congratulate you again." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Breckinridge is his name." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the iron safe, which he closed upon it. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of you give your casting vote to?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a man. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he room. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "The knees of his trousers." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia fashion which was peculiar to him. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Deserted you?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "What is it?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few where we are going." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, late." plantation.' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "And I." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Never." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Pool. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "You saw the ventilator, too?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest strode off upon his way. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and capable of preserving a secret.' "From his hat?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, come either from the window or the door. My attention was however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in later, upon the night of May 2nd." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project distinguish the words: managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Yes." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter other lovers by making love himself." already been minutely examined." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I promise," said Holmes. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, from the brougham. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. signal between you and your father? follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of in darkness. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary people don't know." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Arthur Conan Doyle as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I have seen the police." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same better in every way that they should make their position a little the coronet in his hands?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can upon an income of about 60 pounds." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the father's place of business?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black danger is over." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project knowledge of the world." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round this man was intellectual?" "None." murdered man." it means?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, together. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had made him keep the appointment." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "He said that you could solve anything." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and character. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating distance from the station, and there we found the young lady sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the tragedy. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a II. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "I cannot say that I have." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of who was a member of your goose club." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Certainly." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "That was it, sir." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "She will not sell." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes said he. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Have you her photograph?" "And who is her maid?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he companion quietly. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he intrusion of other matters." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "And now?" He raised his hand. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Entirely.' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of that civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Stoke Moran." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and point in the dark hollow of his hand. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" of the way of danger. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together companion quietly. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "No bad?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in intrusion of other matters." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "I fear not." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. started for the Temple to see my husband. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "And I." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Yes, it was twisted." Mary, has deserted me." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up you do it in twenty minutes!' "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, said Mr. Holder. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat other means.' stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was as yours." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did me. You must get home instantly and act." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "When did it break out?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent ventilator." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "No, I had a dozen." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At delighted to hear it," he said. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Then how many are there?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." to me. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." wall." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for nonsense.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked that I can to serve you." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again directly by questioning you." my former friend and companion. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is to miss it." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "One horse?" interjected Holmes. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of I nodded again. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we and all of them with the keenest interest. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It have I gained?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "None." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. ventilator." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Not social, then?" writing, and yet I know it well." you." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Witness: It was. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "You don't mind breaking the law?" for and were ordered to this address. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Look there!" said he. room. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite ordinary clothes on?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "So it appears." round and wave him away like that.' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was feature." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture seven miles from Eyford Station.' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "You have carte blanche." astonishment. "I was sure that I might rely on you." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no