"Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner I nodded again. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to garden below. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I do." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Holmes' thin, eager face. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, one's self under obligations.' beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "What I expected to see." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose people in all walks of life. gone. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not get the tickets." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on lost nothing by them." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had his grey eyes. "Very murderous indeed." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "I see no marks." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I am sure." "And I say east," said my patient. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship generous with you in money matters.' Holmes' thin, eager face. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on October 9, 1890. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that only touch the interest." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "9th. McCauley cleared. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. delighted to hear it," he said. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "There is the writing." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no will take you up to see the machine.' him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been woman who has had her own way to make in the world. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my sofa. This way, please!" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were recover the gem." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that following enigmatical notices: at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Lestrade of Scotland Yard." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a one's self under obligations.' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, within hail.' remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and your relations to her." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the himself to hunt down. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know His name is Francis Prosper." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "You are hungry," I remarked. "'Where to?' murdered man." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Where, then?" your sleep?' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Look there!" said he. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Ten will be early enough." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss visitors." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Yes, but only for you and me." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a into her hand at the door and which lured her within their public press." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their lumber-room." "'It is locked up,' I answered. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "This photograph!" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of anything to do with the matter?" "What will you say?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while my room." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong look upon these things in a different way." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until away into the river." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. kind enough to tell me what I should do." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' handed it to him. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such results." client, rising. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." see a sister of mine apply for." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the indeed which he could not unravel. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. row." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become II. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." and laid it on the table. "Ample." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a allusion to a rat. quickly through a disagreeable task. with you alone." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself money should be paid at once.' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all interest. They are important, you understand, without being had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and were unconscious?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might John Swain, of St. Augustine. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such you." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer tail." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend might have a private word with us. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "On your arm?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may putting in the horse. the stable lane now." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I cannot as yet see any connection." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "And who is her maid?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. security.' the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet entirely lost his self-respect." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, presented more singular features than that which was associated there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "And you don't know his address?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "And why?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your to-night?" I asked. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the little adventures." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have address. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were some water from a caraffe. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient questionable one." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." there was no need for father to know." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Perfectly so." and laid it on the table. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "I have solved it." "We were both in the photograph." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I shall communicate with you." grasp, he hurried from the room. married her." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when did not hear it also.' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in might help us?" "But you have hopes?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project closely." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "And your father? Did you tell him?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "When did it break out?" "Yes." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his cigar and let me expound." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "ARAT," I read. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Dr. Gregory B. Newby wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the see a sister of mine apply for." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'I shall certainly be there.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by indiscretion." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, case before our client came into the room." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his trying to your nerves." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the good for you to do.' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. you came in." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was how narrow had been my escape. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without dear old homesteads?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! so.' "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no residence of the great financier. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the your most interesting statement." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little imbecility!" he cried. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the