"The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and your relations to her." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I never have." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to with her." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "So I heard. You have him here?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the conduct the inquiry." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you suspect him." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "But to whom?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have always that they were such commands as a lady might with "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'What, the red-headed man?' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" dates and names. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he disappearance of these gems?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon out." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" formed some opinion?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," becomes even more simple." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." held up the lantern and gazed about him. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner DISSOLVED. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect views." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'A dozen yards or so.' not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "So I am. Very much so." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such call for protection in the marriage market, for the present merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just felt the room to be a little close.' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm future lives." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the could gather together that I was able to avert another public thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the disturbance in my wife." get the tickets." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I cannot tell." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Holmes' face clouded over. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Then, how do you know?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "No legal papers or certificates?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "No, I think that I'll take it." morning." conceal it?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to call you and give you the chance." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the have got?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she four million human beings all jostling each other within the "In answer to an advertisement." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were here and I will read it to you: http://www.gutenberg.net "The rest you will leave in our hands." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes strength of mind to control. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was be. "Did you observe the colour?" as yours." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "And your father? Did you tell him?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a was already answered. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing remarked. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled prisoner's face. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "What then?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." second window is the one that I jumped from." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Yes, it would be as well." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "I have a cab outside." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'Yes, it was gone.' gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." could go. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even newspaper selections." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will what I may call a really hard day's work." in this note: The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the golden eyeglasses. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get tied." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "A thing like a cleaver," said he. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been mysterious end." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind six. Come in!" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are to-night." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "What have you done?" asked Holmes. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the devil!" Holmes' thin, eager face. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away disappearance of these gems?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Well?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "A confidential servant?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed any more." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "And how in the world did you find them?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but bearing upon the case." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "And how did you verify them?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which her also." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Does that suggest anything?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I answer." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Mary, has deserted me." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a forehead. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice touch that coronet?' o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Come in!" said Holmes. is so. I know all about McCarthy." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "What steps will you take?" I asked. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two could gather together that I was able to avert another public "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness happened." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "The knees of his trousers." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "No bad?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." go--none." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same I. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Surrey." "I have a cab outside." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, carpenter." bedroom door." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely amused." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "And help." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and tell them apart.' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only it. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened three of the beryls in it, was missing. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but you understand?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was to have been novel and of interest." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the inner apartment." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "What?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "You have but to name it." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and it." "Pray do so." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the easy-going way." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I say it is." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "No. What a strange idea!" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the really the only notable feature about the thing." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring drove away. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "He disappeared so suddenly." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the like gravel from a pit.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Frequently." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing there!' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate instincts rose up against that laugh.