knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "What then?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," from the brougham. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was some mystery and the punishment of some crime." this Miss Turner." the driver. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Ha! you find it so?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Nothing?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was all?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "And your mother is alive?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper know that the truth is known." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I was certainly surprised to find you there." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been advice." before, for it was considerably after midnight. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across where she found matters as described by the last witness. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "His face fell immediately. way in." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, you." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. of Fenchurch Street." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying invisible to me," I remarked. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "But how?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "To an end?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into to-night?" I asked. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Well, some hundreds of times." been." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich along the entire front of the house, with three long windows strength in the others." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' and a shock of very red hair. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the your sleep?' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to it." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and returned to France?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for interests were the same as his." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I upon the shelf for the interim." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Was the window open?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "There is the writing." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few spare." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank whatever might befall. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to me." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my indeed which he could not unravel. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her in this note: key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Imitated." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "How on earth--" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their of his shoulders. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Henry Baker is a member." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the nursery. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he of the one which your family is now devouring." his knees, staring into the fire. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my there when the Rucastles went away." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs politicians who had been sent down from the North. relief. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw to his chemical studies. out of this horrible affair." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Where did you address your letters, then?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were locked." Watson," he said cordially. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my started for the Temple to see my husband. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Munro.' company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for memory. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall disturbance in my wife." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the was used.' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "But his lameness?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United I shall communicate with you." 1.F. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already entirely lost his self-respect." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak photograph?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive lectures into a series of tales." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and then?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens had formerly been in part my own. crackling voice. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked absorbing." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a about. records." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened at my own good fortune. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Never to return." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which me have 200 pounds?' "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" ordinary clothes on?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a visitors." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. as noiselessly as she had come. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his you." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case very peculiar words of the dying woman?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Was the window open?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'Yes, it was gone.' his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it again before evening." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two relief. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are retorted upon me, and I on you." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Yes." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Then let me do so?' said he at last. heavily into it. "What then?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had eavesdroppers?' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I there when the Rucastles went away." "The vanishing of the lady." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Could he throw no light?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the enough to aid us in our search." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. them, and came down just as you departed. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "No, I think that I'll take it." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "But his left-handedness." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate imbecility!" he cried. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the here." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any upon an income of about 60 pounds." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have colonel looking down at me. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "May I see it?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some father's place of business?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would nothing of it?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the date of his supposed suicide." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the general public were present, then?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this very morning of my second wedding." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem you, my dear young lady?' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the views." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Which are?" recover the gem." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a said he at last. any little problem which you may submit to me." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Yes, only one." "And did you observe any change in her then?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." him." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my served to weaken the effect. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Will you bet, then?" should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Did you observe the colour?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Yes." felt the room to be a little close.' characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I helping a boy to put up the shutters. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead at home. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell never came back." "Not in the least." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint more terrible than the truth. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent read over the extraordinary announcement. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a bled considerably." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the best of training." allusion to a rat. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "You have compromised yourself seriously." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise chambers. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and looked back. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. detained." for and were ordered to this address. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with you?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"