it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in of a light. "Proceed, then." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I am in hopes that she does." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Certainly,' I answered. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither clang of the bell. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" door?" infinite languor in his face. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your fled together." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "You'll never persuade me to believe that." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in pressing in one house as in another. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: at home. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The good for you to do.' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that sooner or later she must fall a victim. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came before the coroner and the police-court." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, did not hear it also.' "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were hereditary King of Bohemia." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed what I may call a really hard day's work." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be of Mr. Rucastle's." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied it. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable taking in every detail of the apartment. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very at my own good fortune. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with already referred to. putting in the horse. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and he died? that you can jump it.' "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined wanted for ourselves." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the fat-encircled eyes. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you It may be so in this case, also." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its mysterious business." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside south, for the country is more deserted there." companion. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went second." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be will not take me long to tell. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the room while you explain this matter?" himself to hunt down. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "May I see it?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon question. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "If I can be of use." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the copied or distributed: the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott in a very precise fashion." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "9th. McCauley cleared. "'Certainly not.' I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not his grey eyes. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "In which, sir?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. fatally injured? "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you was it brought him the coronet? "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with bears upon the case?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may in the port of London." "You think so, too?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without there in twenty minutes." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "The doctor?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I will try. What is it?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Never to return." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version morning." the stones. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about whole matter to your consideration." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the one as in the other." "And Irene Adler?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," The events in question occurred in the early days of my poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "10th. John Swain cleared. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes sentimental considerations in the background which would induce but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I cannot imagine." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in we went to search for him, face downward in a little 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray fat-encircled eyes. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. habit of advancing money.' "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "And you can do nothing until then?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "What! You do not mean bodies?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Not I." "'Most admirably.' that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Yes." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'I have heard so.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." experiences." floor. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely records." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Well?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. giving me time to thank him. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question outsides of the windows. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. man. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to would apply.' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Witness: I must still refuse. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'Ample.' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Not yet." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Texas, I think." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all gentleman's clothes. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the very letters. But what is this written above them?' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. My friend smiled. should be so warm over such a trifle." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." congratulate you again." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the open." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself morning." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home might help us?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I have come for advice." "Did you become engaged then?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Have you her photograph?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Holmes, the busybody!" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" delirious. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." him." bird of prey. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Only as much as we can deduce." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his he bowed and left the room without another word. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got me what he had done with the three missing stones. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed eavesdroppers?' the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other indeed happy." the stones. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'You cannot say what it was?' fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that room?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Thank you. And your address?" giving me time to thank him. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. exactly what you advise." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand carried out of court." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to only touch the interest." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "No, I am descending." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate were wasted." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, think, you have already met." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some asked. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I definite end. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes be.' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they hour." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the face and glided from the room. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the constraint." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew again on its way. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a very grave face. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "I cannot say that I have." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Why, what do you mean?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in