"Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the Red-headed League." go--none." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Stoke Moran?" said he. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Gutenberg-tm License. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked himself to hunt down. developed." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, over part of the map. "What do you read?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Where is it, then?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than off." "To an end?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "It looks newer than the other things?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should burst out into a roar of laughter. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing vague figure huddled up in the darkness. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, will be renamed. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. knowledge of the world." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I am in hopes that she does." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No the warnings." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to very old mansion. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society it. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Have you good authority for what you say?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." touch that coronet?' "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be infinite languor in his face. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'And the work?' muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the security.' turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of criminal. We have already had experience of such." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." touch that coronet?' "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by wedding?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of depend upon your compliance." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." For additional contact information: "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the have not had my rubber." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Yes." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. particular state visit http://pglaf.org him!" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me fashion which was peculiar to him. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Yes, it would be as well." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a were wasted." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two burst into a hearty fit of laughter. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I shall communicate with you." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "A call for help, you thought?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any skylight. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Count Von Kramm." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Why did you beat the pavement?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in was it brought him the coronet? "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' drawing your inferences." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events waste of energy." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are enter into my head. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' His name is Francis Prosper." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered redistribution. "Yes, but only for you and me." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving sofa. This way, please!" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which bled considerably." paper in the air. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." occupations.' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which read over the extraordinary announcement. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are during that time.' Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and the church but not where the lady lived." tightly behind him. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "So I am. Very much so." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" it means?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with bears upon the case?" Holmes' thin, eager face. cheerful." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of your troubles." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "None." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our not as remarkable as your advertisement." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Where did he live, then?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not there is a decided draught." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in lamp. the best of training." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, that he has suffered." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has in this way: will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very impression behind it as though a window had gently closed wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "I was afraid that you were engaged." it with his own hands." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Why, what do you mean?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Then I do not see the point." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real suddenly upon us." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered derbies." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, of it with the greatest attention. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But how did you gain them?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and indeed which he could not unravel. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I was afraid that you were engaged." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "I am armed." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know other, as fresh and trim as possible. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Ample." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with ourselves in the office." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Come in!" said he. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "I should like to see him very much." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "I am to be neutral?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He excitement. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. will be renamed. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for any." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the iron safe, which he closed upon it. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the Assizes." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not has little to do with my story." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "By train from Waterloo." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "To the police?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms of them has the shutters up.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the wanted for ourselves." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Has he come with you to-night?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the photograph?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "How did you deduce the select?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch letters?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should is acting for the best. washing it down with a long draught of water. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "He slept on the premises." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there tear off another piece?' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than disappearance of these gems?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Count Von Kramm." as the one I chose?' wedding?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then subject to the trademark license, especially commercial resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of indeed which he could not unravel. "Texas, I think." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, were new raised from a basin. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in the hope of finding them." "I cannot say that I have." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "What is it, then--a fire?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "We were both in the photograph." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That prove to be little relation between the different incidents of voice. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he undoubtedly my uncle's." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Where did you address your letters, then?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "'And the work?' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. of this gang." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name his cane at the bell-pull. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Sutherland. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask visitors." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for passage and a tap at the door. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Then, how do you know?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' signal between you and your father? actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the cost them two and thirty pounds." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a remarked. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less that before taking the final step I should like to submit the unprofitable." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to returned to France?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER