smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted locked." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" of a light. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "A confidential servant?" ourselves in the office." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without deduce something from that?" how narrow had been my escape. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger row." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" of receipt of the work. one of them." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Proceed, then." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Literary Archive Foundation from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "No, thank goodness, she did not." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had there has been an enclosure here!" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." see me here to avoid scandal." works. See paragraph 1.E below. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "She showed me, as I told you she would." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Where, indeed?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. with frightened eyes at his accuser. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "And the cigar-holder?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so records." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 suspect him." I nodded to show that I had heard. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the me. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and have an American origin." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Nothing?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the best of training." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Not I." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. that you can jump it.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you go--none." your room." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose strong reason behind." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My status with the IRS. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! was lame." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of colour had been driven from his face. "You think that he is dead?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Then, as to money?" "Your presence might be invaluable." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible I. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I never have." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' criminal. We have already had experience of such." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink seem to you to be relevant or not." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Very much so." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. had a long day." "It certainly sounds feasible." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works lamp in his hand. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Only as much as we can deduce." signal between you and your father? wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "But how did you gain them?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Holmes' thin, eager face. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Your sister is dead, then?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not felt the room to be a little close.' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner like gravel from a pit.' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. forbidden door. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Stolen, then." "Stolen." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the stones. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder vague figure huddled up in the darkness. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately was a lad." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms and laid it on the table. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I will get her to show me." woven round him. "None. Neville wrote those words." allusion to a rat. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, drove away. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'Yes, it was gone.' dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its security.' like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, quick march!" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my wanted for ourselves." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there to change my dress. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from II. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and better grown goose." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the roots. Stoke Moran." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Because he was handy and would come cheap." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you married her." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "No, I think that I'll take it." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one problems help me to do so." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a and the whole place is in a blaze." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair must compliment you." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." said he. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all made him keep the appointment." "But who is he?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. business came to an end." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's was once confined in the cab my mission was practically hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the inner apartment." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, strength in the others." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I cannot say that I have." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the directly by questioning you." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "By no means." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one to tell." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Gutenberg-tm License. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" letters?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the window, rose as we entered. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "My dear Holmes!" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of night.' said he. "'I have already given you my word.' "And now?" I asked. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the anything to do with the matter?" "Very much so." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the little opening for the ventilator is." "What shall I do?" any." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I assure you that I am in your hands." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, depend upon your compliance." is four-and-twenty." "Yes." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "I cannot as yet see any connection." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, existence." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." quick march!" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this purpose of examination. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll husband's writing, madam." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to my former friend and companion. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room writer." to have been novel and of interest." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "You have a clue?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You families. Now for the facts. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent acquaintance?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I cannot imagine." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." paper in the air. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "You are hungry," I remarked. II. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind tear off another piece?' that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a present." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the outside." shaken than I had ever seen him. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert come either from the window or the door. My attention was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the see a sister of mine apply for." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "What shall I do?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "The knees of his trousers." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to populous neighbourhood." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that any." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the closing the door. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with 1.E.9. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I would pay ten." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, make me his representative both with the servants and with the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised on re-entering her father's house?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in thirty. "But his left-handedness." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "No." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon dates and names. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I know where it is." "And why?" "So I heard. You have him here?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "But the mystery?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, chambers. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you if she died from some sudden fright." have been better. It is all right." my room." "Was there a secret marriage?" "I have seen the police." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I beg pardon." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to in the dead of the night?' note?" "Ten will be early enough." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' ashen face. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with