keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Whose house is it?" the nursery. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he his wife has ceased to love him." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Certainly." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Holmes rather sternly. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Her father is very rich?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may helping a boy to put up the shutters. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was approach us with offers to donate. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is prison!" any more." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which appeal." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety brought there to personate someone, and the real person is lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did congenial hunt. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable carriage. It was a chestnut." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered there!' admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you shoulder. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to speckled band?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "No, I think that I'll take it." be.' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "That is easily got." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, pressing in one house as in another. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "One?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt you." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a which are rolled in Rotterdam." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a views." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a bare slabs of marble. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger already been minutely examined." paper in the air. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Really! You surprise me." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Yes, only one." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Can I be of assistance?" "And how?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue peculiar to him. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself even so self-evident a thing as that." read it out to me." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "No legal papers or certificates?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, redistribution. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than I. interest. They are important, you understand, without being six. Come in!" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "In San Francisco, a year ago." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we information in his hands the value of which he did not himself pierced for earrings?" "What, then?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "We were both in the photograph." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Does that suggest anything?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "My Mary? Impossible!" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Was she in good spirits?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I should wish to." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll take the flies, but not before." to Leatherhead. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "ARAT," I read. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not could not have written that. It is the German who is so side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the it were putty." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of union?" less than 26s. 4d. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing entirely devoid of interest." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room stammered. 1.F. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out reach." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His one which it was hard to resist. quite distinctive." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Then I shall certainly come." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as forebodings. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed locked. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to call you and give you the chance." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. than was visible to me." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a stood on the top of it. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important I shall communicate with you." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "No, distinctly professional." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No that you wished to speak to me?' that you saw all that I did." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been October 9, 1890. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Holmes' face clouded over. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang strange features which were associated with the two crimes which to talk it over. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'Very good.' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "How about poison?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from clang of the bell. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat hour?' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE them?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of hardly wander." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his cigar and let me expound." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Ha! you find it so?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt if only as a check to my own memory." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which You want to know what became of those geese?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been name is different." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands tail." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and a little more before I quite committed myself. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "How can you tell that?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Why? What do you mean?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Won't it ring?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, late." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the so-precious time, but come!' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "And when will you call?" it right.' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "And how did he make his money?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Imitated." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Well, but China?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'You cannot say what it was?' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "But who is he?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he as yours." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than in him." stammered. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the IS While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we case before our client came into the room." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I am in hopes that she does." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I should be immensely obliged to you." But Holmes shook his head gravely. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right a room. upon the sideboard." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "What will you do, then?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, what do you think they found in the pockets?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its dear old homesteads?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote one else, I think." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction fattened it expressly for you.' invisible to me," I remarked. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Well?" "Yes, at the mines." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. to talk it over. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and my secret was safe in his possession. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of goes." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Yes, only one." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of business at Coburg Square is serious." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, see a sister of mine apply for." if she died from some sudden fright." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Do you go out much in society?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, an introduction to him?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon these bleak autumnal evenings." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut here and I will read it to you: had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'And what salary do you ask?' it." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Lee, in the county of Kent." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" conceal it?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'Never,' said I. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was just called myself is not exactly my own." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose me. You must get home instantly and act." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us imbecility!" he cried. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "It is solved." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "That is easily got." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of