them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Then I can wait in the next room." which it had come upon my father." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Were they all fastened this morning?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up himself to tell his story. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Certainly, madam." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Why did you beat the pavement?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from there when the Rucastles went away." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the words came to my lips. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the my former friend and companion. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew keep the flames under. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two call for protection in the marriage market, for the present My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Perfectly so." the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until was keenly on my guard against him. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "'A dozen yards or so.' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Was there a secret marriage?" strong and stiff." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its at my remark. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "But how will you look?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on wedding?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I am all attention, madam." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked directors have had misgivings upon the subject." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it chance at all." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Well, but China?" "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, conduct the inquiry." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the acted in my house last night?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I shall be delighted." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond to go into your room and bar your shutters?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Eh? What was that?" "What then?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly annoyance, but no jest. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Then you may entirely rely on me." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted is worth.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the chance at all." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And how?" standing smiling on the door-step. the house with me." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. vault. case-book, which he consulted. handed it to him. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the extraordinary contortions. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises me have 200 pounds?' with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the when you have done it." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation one or two very singular points about this room. For example, however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." with you alone." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and a shock of very red hair. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and shall use the carriage to-night." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "In the cells." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be waste of energy." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Thank you. And your address?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "How can you tell that?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to existence." mystery." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I think that it is very probable." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? ready to-morrow?' me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and capable of preserving a secret.' "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Yes, it was twisted." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it affection." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, rat could hardly pass through." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my persecution?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Is purely nominal.' wanted for ourselves." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where photograph a cabinet?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the inner apartment." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations ways including including checks, online payments and credit card are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "So it appears." do.' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "My dear Holmes!" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I am all attention, madam." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." be sorry for having acted so harshly." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "At the wedding breakfast." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family residence of the great financier. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot and inquire as to the address." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Quite so." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Why? What do you mean?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester father's place of business?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' interests were the same as his." criminal. We have already had experience of such." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key acted in my house last night?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "It is solved." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to lumber-room." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Then you may be so with me." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass outside. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet useful material for showing traces. The double line a little With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' amused." unclasping of his long thin hands. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to as yours." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers passage and a tap at the door. "What have you to say now?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present three fields round his house, and there he would take his almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I question," said Holmes, smiling. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "No." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss people don't know." "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this three fields round his house, and there he would take his some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I shall most certainly do so." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" bell. Holmes whistled. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I shall most certainly do so." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for you came in." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Come in!" said Holmes. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Get out!" said he. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert call the police, let the police find what they can.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Holmes." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had of." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as assist you in forming an opinion." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "What! a murderous attack?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which pity, because in other respects you would really have done very generous with you in money matters.' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking soul! here is her carriage at the door." works. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Entirely." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a about. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who right! Sit down and let us talk it over." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, it." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "My last client of the sort was a king." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Whose house is it?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Holmes' thin, eager face. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. with some details as to your case." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "But we can't all be." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, should be so warm over such a trifle." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to distinguish the words: their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a laugh and put his lips to my ear. other lovers by making love himself." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." if she died from some sudden fright." "I have solved it." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was she might be summoned. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening himself to hunt down. Miss Holder?" "'Very good.' him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his bird I ate is country bred." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that waste of energy." "In which, sir?" weary and pale-looking. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this a few minutes he said that it would be all right. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. throat." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'Quite sure, dad.' "She told me to ask you." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The been able to understand it, in a very few words. footfalls from the street. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out flock.' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously distance from the station, and there we found the young lady business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his derbies." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I will try. What is it?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I have hopes." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and himself in a perplexing position. off." as noiselessly as she had come. think that any burglar could have done. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Very good.' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a she to prove their authenticity?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a against a man in the prime of life?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make recover the gem." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of my secret was safe in his possession. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the residence of the great financier. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery."