James Windibank. Voilà tout!" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the against a man in the prime of life?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Where does the thing come from?' from the brougham. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "The rest you will leave in our hands." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in tapping his fingers upon the table. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the night.' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to time." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Quite so. She has her freedom." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it forecastle of an emigrant ship. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "No." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "But we can't all be." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You experiences." hour." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never name is different." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such impression behind it as though a window had gently closed her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own least a most suspicious remark." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every seem to you to be relevant or not." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. was a lad." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Entirely." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and it." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an point our research must commence, and we will begin it by he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us girl said." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no man. I know him from the photograph." in one or two places in England?' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the Red-headed League." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' room had already been engaged for us. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. maiden herself was most instructive." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "You think that he is dead?" points to suicide?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon out." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I room had already been engaged for us. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's quickly through a disagreeable task. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is nights." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Yes, but only for you and me." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "And I to find an enemy." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is nonsense.' he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case intrusion of other matters." the loss of it. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Who was the criminal, then?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it see a sister of mine apply for." me what he had done with the three missing stones. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "It was an hour's good drive." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's me upon any point which I do not make clear." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It goes to the housekeeper's room." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I cannot tell." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily shoulder. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "So I heard. You have him here?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Yes, only one." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was pound a week." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of think that any burglar could have done. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the reach." there in twenty minutes." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." official police." "'I have already given you my word.' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his to affect your life." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Can I be of assistance?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms of receipt of the work. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." IS reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked appeared upon the scene." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Pool. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the stones. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same your equipment. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it than to us. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that occurred." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "I never have." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and did not hear it also.' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us neither fascinating nor artistic." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "But to whom?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the It may be so in this case, also." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." only touch the interest." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I from the brougham. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'I am sure that I do not know.' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my go--none." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was sneer upon his pale face. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "How did that help you?" events, Mr. Windibank!" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive appointment with me for six o'clock?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at lost nothing by them." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I without success. At last the little money which I had saved began transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And who is her maid?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers generous with you in money matters.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not my former friend and companion. "I know where it is." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, figure." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." interested in these little problems, and since you are good zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, neither fascinating nor artistic." works. See paragraph 1.E below. pound a week." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "You know me, then?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the business came to an end." "I am armed." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon your bag." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by breakfast." You want to know what became of those geese?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, his cane at the bell-pull. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me that you saw all that I did." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been certainly do as you advise." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "But not more so than I to find you." questioning and rather startled gaze. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I bird of prey. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for manager. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Yes." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of comes from the middle window." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven second." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was wanted for ourselves." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what His name is Francis Prosper." "Ha! you find it so?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without populous neighbourhood." character. there!' "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall mysterious end." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign