frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent you." "Then I shall certainly come." developed." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Precisely so. But how--" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" a little more before I quite committed myself. awaited us upon the table. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Yesterday." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each ago." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You saw the ventilator, too?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would there is a decided draught." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my highly," said Holmes. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name once more. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Ah!" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "What! Had he lost his wife?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Was the window open?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Certainly, madam." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' fashion which was peculiar to him. easy-going way." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. hard-headed British jury." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Serpentine Avenue. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Then I can wait in the next room." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "No, thank goodness, she did not." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been father's young wife. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was hour?' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry means taking possession of that which another person has a prior glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Could he throw no light?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "It surprised me." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, once more. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the reach." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I promise," said Holmes. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat get her out of the way." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked without success. At last the little money which I had saved began was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Where to?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Come in!" said Holmes. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this to change my dress. business." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "But what will you do?" "I cannot say that I have." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Here?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my little problems." "I have my revolver," said I. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" charged with?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "And Irene Adler?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. his wife has ceased to love him." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Eyford." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "At the wedding breakfast." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the south-west, I see." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that I nodded to show that I had heard. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as was once confined in the cab my mission was practically force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. had a long day." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "A client, then?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did than was visible to me." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they silent! Oh, he will be silent!' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking these bleak autumnal evenings." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' back into the street. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Just look it up, then." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Stoke Moran?" said he. this unhappy family?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of confronted him. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of that you saw all that I did." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and me. You must get home instantly and act." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated excitement. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "BALLARAT." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran upon the shelf for the interim." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I am about to be married." touch that coronet?' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the one which it was hard to resist. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It was." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "No legal papers or certificates?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he child?' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but overpowering excitement and concern. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE been anything against him. He had for years been known as a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward brain must have something in it." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Yes, that is the Crown." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." more solid." stalked out of the room. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for union?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I was afraid that you were engaged." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "But I am all in the dark." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same to-night." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice cost them two and thirty pounds." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs side. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would fasten all the windows?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a some place of shelter and let the county police know what has colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away in his power. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Yes." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could whole matter to your consideration." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'I am sure if I had known--' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the been deceived." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "And the murderer?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or meanly of me." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "No bad?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of was a loud and authoritative tap. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Not in a good cause." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must bell. Holmes whistled. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." States. coat-tails." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." weighed down with some great anxiety. "Dr. Becher's." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he to me. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Dark enough and sinister enough." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "And how in the world did you find them?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so amused." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as careless servant girl?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the loss of it. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Not in a good cause." looking up at the numbers of the houses." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" of the vacancies.' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the she used." "And how did you verify them?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the wedding?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you conceal it?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me do you make of it all?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the date of his supposed suicide." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the investigation." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. mystery may be cleared along those lines." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us room had already been engaged for us. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Where, then, is my wife?" "A client, then?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked