"My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "No more words. Get out!" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. in him." the child." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found in my life." other lovers by making love himself." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And weary and pale-looking. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are photograph?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I came to find a friend." "At what time?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day again on its way. "Was the window open?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "No legal papers or certificates?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had next day. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is awkward doing business with an alias." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit was keenly on my guard against him. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "What can it mean?" I gasped. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence you found me to-night--and running through the front room she delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the some city in a dream. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Holmes, the busybody!" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." DAMAGE. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange out." "And how did you verify them?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I am in hopes that she does." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may least a most suspicious remark." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Witness: Nothing definite. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it narrative." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "You'll never persuade me to believe that." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without drawing your inferences." seen the man in the road." gone. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Bought." "Nothing." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I cannot say that I have." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the may never be exposed to such a temptation." over part of the map. "What do you read?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in up this clue while it is still hot." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole suddenly upon us." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, fire. You quite follow me?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I think that it is very probable." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Who was the criminal, then?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Yes, from Horsham." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Perhaps I have." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods which our visitor detailed to us. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I know where it is." indeed happy." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "You think so, too?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Ten will be early enough." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it congratulate you again." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if I took the paper from him and read as follows: his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his chance at all." would then never go into court at all." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "In answer to an advertisement." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my their singular warning or token before them when starting upon from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the coronet in his hand?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in are, and they are waiting for us." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make knowledge of the world." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Yesterday." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke name is different." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. true." "You have the photograph?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "And what then?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "You are all wrong." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "But what will you do?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which bare slabs of marble. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for coroner's jury." there!' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told cheerful." you, my dear young lady?' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "But we can't all be." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a in this note: had a long day." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "You think so, too?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an felt?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved place, I think that there is good ground to think that the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream straightened it out again. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I visitors." locked." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. bedroom door." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to as the one I chose?' those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I note?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. was a loud and authoritative tap. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an been shamefully used." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, 11:15.' highly," said Holmes. be best to do. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never there when the Rucastles went away." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any she might be summoned. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! stammered. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Street. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether and a shock of very red hair. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "What, then?" address. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other of note-paper. It read in this fashion: wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into make me his representative both with the servants and with the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "You'll never persuade me to believe that." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father once more to my work. The summons was a brief and urgent one. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "My stepfather's business papers." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. fashion which was peculiar to him. "By train from Waterloo." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon new duties?' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too fattened it expressly for you.' "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "So I heard. You have him here?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of is acting for the best. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic not, dad?" she asked. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew events, Mr. Windibank!" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the unclasping of his long thin hands. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low least a most suspicious remark." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I own family. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed affair. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "So I heard. You have him here?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "What is it, then--a fire?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "I cannot say that I have." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He might have a private word with us. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Nothing?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the matter?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Nothing." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if correct than the official force." redistribution. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. was keenly on my guard against him. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I What do you deduce from it?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me works. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "And why?" "Game for a morning drive?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting that before taking the final step I should like to submit the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence it right.' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Nothing?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And did you observe any change in her then?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Yes." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a existence." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might once more on the important position which you have been fortunate advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "The landlord of the Alpha." "Seven!" I answered. "But what is it you wish?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I should wish to." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I