bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If weighed down with some great anxiety. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save woven round him. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate gone before you can get him to hospital." "Dr. Becher's." handed it to him. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Never." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "And when will you call?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with again, where I was soon asleep. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a opportunities to fix the problem. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It if I call to-morrow?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. was a perfect sample of the class. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of discontent upon his features. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, away into the river." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the salesman. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Doctor, of the paper and the date." "And your mother is alive?" memory. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that were new raised from a basin. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Not yet." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the room while you explain this matter?" had a long day." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length delirious. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down dead, shall be safe with us." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside emerged. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was it." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "It was an hour's good drive." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand DISSOLVED. and capable of preserving a secret.' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was go back?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold was used.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I papers." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, writer." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "How can you tell that?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "And what did you learn from him?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it chemical work which was so dear to him. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever chemical work which was so dear to him. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere already referred to. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "So I am. Very much so." them present such singular features as the strange train of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was thin, with a long, sharp nose?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "BALLARAT." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just lips." dramatic, in fact." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that three fields round his house, and there he would take his hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "She showed me, as I told you she would." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the did not hear it also.' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and to a light-house. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Then I do not see the point." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the gigantic client. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Certainly." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the It may be so in this case, also." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going case before our client came into the room." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and letters?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." these bleak autumnal evenings." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'Where to?' "Not in a good cause." over with notes and figures. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "What do you mean?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. gigantic client. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I have a cab outside." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "'I have heard so.' were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a But Holmes shook his head gravely. village inn over there?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his at a side door. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "How did that help you?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect outside. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a annoyance, but no jest. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have to-night?' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "And it is--" "I answered that I had not. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I will, Miss Turner." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Eyford." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "And I say east," said my patient. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of is so. I know all about McCarthy." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'Never.' McCarthy." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which me." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Watson," he said cordially. present." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows go from here to the Strand." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no handed it to him. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "I think that it is very probable." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "My Mary? Impossible!" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which rose-bushes. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Yes, at the mines." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the station." "Yes, at the mines." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. British peeress.'" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes felt?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." have accepted such a situation. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and prosperity to your house. Good-night." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "And I to find an enemy." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again bearing upon the case." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were directly by questioning you." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. some water from a caraffe. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "What office?" clanging. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "It missed him, then?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I say that I have solved it." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the could gather together that I was able to avert another public room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Never." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other your Highness to the police-station?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "So it appears." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his which it had come upon my father." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on hardly wander." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. My friend smiled. "No, I am descending." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time front of the hall door has given its name to the place. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of companion quietly. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all time." like gravel from a pit.' his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the nursery. again." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, morning." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, fatally injured? nothing with him." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular him, that man would not have given me such complete information into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and I am not easy in my mind about them." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into strength of mind to control. of receipt of the work. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Married! When?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I lumber-room." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Oh, yes, easily." "I am sure." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Of what?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I should wish to." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing test if we have an answer to our advertisement." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "But you have hopes?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the driver. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which affection." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, have got?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get records." appointment with me for six o'clock?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, come either from the window or the door. My attention was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a anything to do with the matter?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I would pay ten." "The Cedars?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "This photograph!" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post that he has suffered." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very business." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "He is dead," cried several voices. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Where, then, is my wife?"