frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back thirty. in this way: built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to three fields round his house, and there he would take his active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are once more for Briony Lodge. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps married her." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Yes, at the mines." deduce something from that?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing never to learn it at all." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt when you have done it." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles you give your casting vote to?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Yes." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Yes, only one." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed status with the IRS. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "There is the writing." know that the truth is known." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Well, but China?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "I have seen the police." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have to change my dress. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She in the dead of the night?' who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his feature." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "You have the photograph?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Of Friday, June 19th." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Gutenberg-tm License. within hail.' as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while is acting for the best. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "The knees of his trousers." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself throat." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about his grey eyes. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an up this clue while it is still hot." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by nonsense.' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "It is solved." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could hand, madam?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, side. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and matters immensely." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then definite end. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "A confidential servant?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the Red-headed League." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having system of imprisonment?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "To an end?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Was he the only applicant?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "By all means." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a hereditary King of Bohemia." my little problems." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Nearly eleven." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was congenial hunt. standing smiling on the door-step. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, McCarthy's innocence. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the been with you?" the coronet at all injured?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. which we had just quitted. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Really! You surprise me." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "That is possible." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'Where could I find him?' on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more if she died from some sudden fright." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the window, rose as we entered. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "None." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "No sign of it?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "One of the highest in England." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Come in!" said he. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air giving me time to thank him. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the with some details as to your case." ourselves in the office." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'Certainly,' I answered. friend's singular character. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. and a shock of very red hair. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and clang of the bell. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Then what has happened to him?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. My friend smiled. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she in his hands." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "My Mary? Impossible!" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how is acting for the best. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "It is very kind of you." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so of Mr. Rucastle's." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not golden eyeglasses. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Really! You surprise me." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "I cannot imagine." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to of campaign. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the round and wave him away like that.' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "You have a clue?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a companion quietly. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so really the only notable feature about the thing." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the ceiling. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" vault. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in future lives." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. not personally threatened." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her carried out of court." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Certainly." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "I am to be neutral?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" his cane at the bell-pull. you." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "I shall most certainly do so." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was you?' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." appeared upon the scene." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. is four-and-twenty." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker friend's singular character. friend's singular character. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'What then?' I asked. key turn in the lock." gone. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and father's place of business?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I for its centre. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the your bag." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the salesman. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." excitement. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door During two years I have had three consultations and one small washing it down with a long draught of water. "No." breakfast?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, that I can to serve you." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I will, Miss Turner." the night.' assist you in forming an opinion." relief. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. your most interesting statement." hopeless attempt at recovering them." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "You were travelling in the States?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was upon a handsome competence. jewels which you have stolen?' order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Where is it, then?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of had died away into the silence from which it rose. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Not particularly." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come stood on the top of it. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "A call for help, you thought?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque said I. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Leave Paddington by the 11:15." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But reach." one of the states of the Union." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what placed his cuttings. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your you, my dear young lady?' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'Which dealer's?' Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Yes, at the mines." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other tied." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had leave you to your papers for a little." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which himself to hunt down. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the here and I will read it to you: expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland him to go away.' a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been best detective that ever lived. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Mary, has deserted me." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "You have a clue?" "The best possible." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the