light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must tied." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. respectable self." disappearance of these gems?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on gone. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Thank you. And your address?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." once more. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I warn you that they are very incomplete." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can to surprise her." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at indiscretion." "Yes, I have one waiting." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I am about to be married." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Was she in good spirits?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "And Miss Sutherland?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "To an end?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'Oh, no.' wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not if I call to-morrow?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was present." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never colonel looking down at me. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Pray be precise as to details," said he. matter." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the outside." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I with some details as to your case." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" everything which you would wish to know." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a as noiselessly as she had come. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more yourselves in at night?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Entirely." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I assure you that I am in your hands." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "No, I am descending." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of your young ladies.' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I bachelor.' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Cross for the Continent." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This have got?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." address. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his when you have done it." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, joking. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "But not more so than I to find you." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would leave you to your papers for a little." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "You have but to name it." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute ordinary clothes on?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It their singular warning or token before them when starting upon like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Have you it here?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "He said that you could solve anything." the devil!" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all you give your casting vote to?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Yes." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Then how many are there?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "He disappeared so suddenly." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual thought that she would have been so carried away." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "On the contrary, this is the right side." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, situation." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing I. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." was a lad." see a sister of mine apply for." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I will not look." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "The best possible." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Then he might have called to you?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "This concluded the examination of the witness." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "The best possible." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Yes, it was twisted." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I am sure." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue signal between you and your father? call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Murdered?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, electronic works what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, reach." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country might help us?" straighten it?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, redistribution. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek families. Now for the facts. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." bedroom door." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And that is--" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the started for the Temple to see my husband. "Only as much as we can deduce." "I say that I have solved it." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the some terrible trap for her." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "'How far from the body?' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained nights." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss have an American origin." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and to take care of herself." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "We must have a cab." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have villagers almost as much as their master. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "So I am. Very much so." eavesdroppers?' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and effective." during which he might have communicated with his friend the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United said I. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "They are typewritten," I remarked. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "That is not always so easy." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor examination of the premises, but without finding anything which over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Eyford." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I think it very unlikely." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout other, as fresh and trim as possible. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and effective." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. unprofitable." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I will, Miss Turner." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I never have." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "And the murderer?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "I see no marks." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, be. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no front of me. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots morning." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. which our visitor detailed to us. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, might have a private word with us. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Clair, of Lee." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger have an American origin." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name see a sister of mine apply for." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." unkempt, staring out at me. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat at my own good fortune. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal been deceived." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet lost nothing by them." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." hair?' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles ready to-morrow?' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the south-west, I see." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted her also." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, had this final quarrel? plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and someone who had been in Australia." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close brought there to personate someone, and the real person is she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country questioning and rather startled gaze. For additional contact information: "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "My photograph." such person." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington standing smiling on the door-step. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "And sit in the dark?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "We have tried and failed." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of unprofitable." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt