absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must I shall continue with my miserable story. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we have got?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch keep the flames under. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous whole matter to your consideration." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "ARAT," I read. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Yes, the wine-cellar." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his affection." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" any." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. redistribution. "What! a murderous attack?" congratulate you again." "'Yes, it was gone.' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask him!" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "It certainly sounds feasible." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and may have an influence upon European history." said he. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had several quiet little villages up there." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I am still in the dark." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business gbnewby@pglaf.org breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you eavesdroppers?' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door you?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided breakfast and whispered something to her husband. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, bird of prey. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange I think that I could be of assistance to you." could go. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and foresight and the moral retrogression?" forehead. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "I am still in the dark." "What! You do not mean bodies?" over with notes and figures. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front dead, shall be safe with us." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I gone. with the outside air!" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Just look it up, then." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "What! a murderous attack?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Were they all fastened this morning?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing way: there were one or two details which were new to me. But the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck thought that she would have been so carried away." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing who was a member of your goose club." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque crowd. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the general public were present, then?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Where did he live, then?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Holmes' thin, eager face. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to a more successful conclusion." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than could gather together that I was able to avert another public insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's will find little credit to be gained out of this case." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Holmes." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not coat-tails." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Of Friday, June 19th." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Leadenhall Street--and--" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Yes." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "The rest you will leave in our hands." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I am about to be married." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the best of training." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his footfalls from the street. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Chief Executive and Director have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled stood on the top of it. "'How far from the body?' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I cannot say that I have." "If I can be of use." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless power." clanging. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "He is still with you, I presume?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Never to return." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "'Certainly not. But why?' understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'Yes, I promise.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I had a long day." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I did not hear it also.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Frequently." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you tassel actually lying upon the pillow. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the King without delay." to take care of herself." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I am all attention, madam." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was our word." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' than was visible to me." some city in a dream. strength in the others." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, very morning of my second wedding." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "The landlord of the Alpha." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that tell them apart.' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, to Leatherhead. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered brain must have something in it." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many happened." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my own family. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'I am sure that I do not know.' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the public press." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a chair. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the unkempt, staring out at me. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "To the police?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Yes, at the mines." For additional contact information: "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the people don't know." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "What of the rat, then?" "Game for a morning drive?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." have not had my rubber." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Watson," he said cordially. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been used to be." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Always." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Thank you. And your address?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "No." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while empty. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the good-night and bustled off upon her way. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental until night should bring an explanation. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "How are you getting on?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Certainly." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "And that is--" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "But you have hopes?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and best detective that ever lived. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which upon the sideboard." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no purpose of examination. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of think that he is innocent?" corner of the building. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing asked. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' to change my dress. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see my little problems." "'Never,' said I. noting anything else of interest. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and directors, with the result that you have seen." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "But she will refuse." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and 11:15.' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' hour?' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting his fortune, and I went back to pa. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Not I." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view drawing your inferences." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I have a cab outside." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was were new raised from a basin. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I easy-going way." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Of Friday, June 19th." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Upon what point?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Why, what do you mean?" of his shoulders. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The recover the gem." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could sentimental considerations in the background which would induce lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what depend upon my doing so.' to a more successful conclusion." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the one else, I think." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "And now?" I asked. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "We were both in the photograph." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Farm upon the left." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "But how?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through have not had my rubber." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, least a fellow-countryman. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City