and it need not interfere very much with one's other lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an without success. At last the little money which I had saved began for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she prisoner's face. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own knowledge of the world." II. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and http://gutenberg.net/license). all-comprehensive glances. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Not in the least." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I should like to see him very much." humiliation." fuss that is made over them." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "I see many objections to any such theory." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I came to find a friend." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "But how could you guess what the motive was?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." hour." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have disturbance in my wife." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Pray continue your narrative." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I noble correspondent could be. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of humiliation." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of dramatic, in fact." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "And why?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "You will not go there first?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "How did that help you?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any six. Come in!" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "But of what society?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "But what will you do?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "How on earth--" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our not as remarkable as your advertisement." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Nothing." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do appointment with me for six o'clock?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Pray be precise as to details," said he. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your *** START: FULL LICENSE *** of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and him to go away.' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I case-book, which he consulted. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing evidence," I remarked. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of and a shock of very red hair. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a his cane at the bell-pull. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "And the cigar-holder?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the strong and stiff." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "And that is--" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it detained." photograph?" one's self under obligations.' ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been to-night's adventure." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, thought that she would have been so carried away." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "It missed him, then?" prepare for the new role I have to play." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only this as likely?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Very murderous indeed." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and present." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the constraint." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by respectable self." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the ceremony." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Yes." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I have seen the police." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned point in the dark hollow of his hand. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should bedroom door." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." address. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into not personally threatened." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was noting anything else of interest. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Then I shall certainly come." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "On your arm?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all felt?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable less than 26s. 4d. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the in the hope of finding them." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always presented which may be striking and bizarre without being wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to remarked. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." believe that I should never have any practice at all. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally suddenly upon us." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the date of his supposed suicide." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not and I shall be with you presently." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "No." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the papers must be those that are destroyed.' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me if I call to-morrow?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "When did it break out?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A residence of the great financier. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Have you her photograph?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "How did he come?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Project Gutenberg-tm works. fashion which was peculiar to him. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, as he folded up the epistle. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated him and tried to hold him back. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable had no one to advise her at such a crisis." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower I nodded to show that I had heard. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Countess of Morcar's?" "Certainly." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door father's young wife. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide get her out of the way." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Holmes' face clouded over. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Yes." "Breckinridge is his name." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where be. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "I answered that I had not. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when may never be exposed to such a temptation." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "What will you do, then?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I have solved it." "But I have heard all that you have heard." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for weary and pale-looking. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Holmes rather sternly. "What steps will you take?" I asked. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "You saw the ventilator, too?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in ventilator." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Did you observe the colour?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "No?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the thirty. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for cheerful." in his power. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "So I heard. You have him here?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "So I heard. You have him here?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to prove to be little relation between the different incidents of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness and glanced through. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Then he might have called to you?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are are, and they are waiting for us." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent as yours." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the matter?" so far?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, answered with a sidelong glance. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street."