yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "I was sure that I might rely on you." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "No." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "And what did you learn from him?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "'Is 4 pounds a week.' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her hour." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of said he. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per towards the blaze. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was it." "We must have a cab." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see the ceiling. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "10th. John Swain cleared. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources drove away. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me be.' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down McCarthy's innocence. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong States. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most to me. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "No, but the enclosure is." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this from the brougham. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "No." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest bed dies. Does not that strike you?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." bedroom door." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "You have the photograph?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Eyford." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our which we had just quitted. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell IS "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "The best possible." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to other, as fresh and trim as possible. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Pray let us have it, for all that." dead, shall be safe with us." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. But Holmes shook his head gravely. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Perfectly so." "Upon what point?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Yes, from Horsham." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "ARAT," I read. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." get the tickets." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, followed. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable keep the flames under. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his floor. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had emerged. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature delirious. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I beg pardon." "'I am sure that I do not know.' he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at you." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived chance." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at of fine shops and stately business premises that they really appointment with me for six o'clock?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled room. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the deduce something from that?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in fat-encircled eyes. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them dear old homesteads?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her experiences." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "And on what day did he meet his death?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a bearing upon the case." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "And now?" I asked. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the coroner come to?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time woven round him. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I say it is." purpose equally well?" back to my heart. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up that he will be back before evening." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long to-morrow." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Did you become engaged then?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Her father is very rich?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will congenial hunt. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money I took the paper from him and read as follows: Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I saw her in conversation with her maid." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "I have seen the police." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "It's nothing of the kind." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and effective." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep during that time.' "BALLARAT." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I will do it." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" hardly wander." "About a month then." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That as he remarks, very much against the son." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at done what I asked you, Jones?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "If I can be of use." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the strode off upon his way. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Doctor, of the paper and the date." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "How did that help you?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see there when the Rucastles went away." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with experiences." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of chemical work which was so dear to him. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold time." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I crowd. made his money." horse could go." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing direction." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point trifles." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me I nodded again. "A client, then?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is with frightened eyes at his accuser. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Nothing." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the very morning of the wedding." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. where we are going." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. drawing your inferences." "It surprised me." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "My photograph." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, certainly do as you advise." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "What will you say?" "Did your wife hear all this?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Nearly eleven." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. cigars in their mouths. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" acquaintance?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel fasten all the windows?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very dramatic, in fact." "That also I could fathom." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Seven!" I answered. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with official police." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Yes." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely asked. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of the efforts of the United States government and of the better I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about out." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what individual and becomes the badge of a society." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "VIOLET HUNTER." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always system of imprisonment?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that trifles." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "It may not come to that," said Holmes. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered where Mr. Fordham shows you.' conduct the inquiry." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "We have tried and failed." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the thirty. "I should wish to." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "And I say east," said my patient. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Clair, of Lee." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than meant." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman to surprise her." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had morning." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the loss of it. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I