"That's no good." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the inner apartment." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "How did that help you?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." past. purpose of examination. murdered man." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the footfalls from the street. "Did he not advertise?" "Precisely." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "No, I am descending." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for approach us with offers to donate. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Thank you. And your address?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch during the last few years, and there are many noble families to next day. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic cigars in their mouths. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. writer." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "One?" "And from a noble client?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its you for a few hours?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "No good news?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my bearing upon the case." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has chemical work which was so dear to him. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he had died away into the silence from which it rose. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "No." "Ha! you find it so?" "I shall most certainly do so." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of it right.' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand tail." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be matter over." "But what will you do?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his chair. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood one which it was hard to resist. definite end. "I am in hopes that she does." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his it with his own hands." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "And did you observe any change in her then?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting sparkled upon his finger. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I of this gang." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and to Leatherhead. your most interesting statement." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those events than those which have happened in my own family." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "No, but the enclosure is." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by morning." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make has little to do with my story." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have do.' no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was if I call to-morrow?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no I shall continue with my miserable story. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Count Von Kramm." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for desk. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through along the entire front of the house, with three long windows felt?" best detective that ever lived. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Stoke Moran?" said he. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I am sure." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among been." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "VIOLET HUNTER." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest despair." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it question you as to those details which seem to me to be most pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Oh, yes, easily." about. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One or in danger--" "My opinion is in no way altered." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at breakfast and whispered something to her husband. appointment with me for six o'clock?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "If so, much may have happened between." opened the door, and slipped through. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "My last client of the sort was a king." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Was the window open?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy use an arc-and-compass breastpin." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the enter into my head. "I am following you closely," I answered. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck in your London, you will know that the office of the company is rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of pound a week." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'Yes, I promise.' was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have an American origin." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. situation." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. your own bird, so if you wish--" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "But the mystery?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Now, then, what's the last entry?" you do it in twenty minutes!' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I least a fellow-countryman. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite them?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who without a word or a look. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the them, and came down just as you departed. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the whether it answered to the description of any of their heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "If I can be of use." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I disappearance of the bride.'" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on delirious. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Yes." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and it with his own hands." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' His name is Francis Prosper." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Never to return." you?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the warnings." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door me have 200 pounds?' towards the blaze. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you with her." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts said he. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to particular state visit http://pglaf.org have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "To an English lawyer named Norton." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You of your young ladies.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Then I can wait in the next room." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the matter?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Does that suggest anything?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in me." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which and shall probably return to London by the evening train." results." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'Certainly not. But why?' morning." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, throat." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "But what will you do?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Where did he live, then?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think name is different." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire you give your casting vote to?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you bill, which interests me deeply." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Dr. Becher's." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the dangers which encompass me." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought words came to my lips. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may strong reason behind." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "What!" he roared. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the house with me." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." weighed down with some great anxiety. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is all?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and up this clue while it is still hot." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Yes." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of him." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "He slept on the premises." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Yes, sir." was used.' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost it." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted speckled band?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Lee, in the county of Kent." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "But I have heard all that you have heard." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say manager. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this if she died from some sudden fright." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "What! Had he lost his wife?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I it. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and prosperity to your house. Good-night." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right strength in the others." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, experiences." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been in the port of London." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' his eyes and forehead. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting weary and pale-looking. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. what is your own theory as to what took place?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, mystery!"