fact, we may call it conclusive." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a society." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was narrative." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' be there in time for your coming." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Quite so." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant young Openshaw's." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made miles off. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled some water from a caraffe. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Where to?" blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "But it has twice been burgled." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' even of instruction." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I shall be delighted." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "How do you know, then?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to answer." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to I think that I could be of assistance to you." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country or in danger--" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection The telegram which we eventually received came late one night but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Lee, in the county of Kent." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's knowledge of the world." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "What will you say?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "VIOLET HUNTER." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "I guessed as much." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the neither fascinating nor artistic." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "And how have you succeeded?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Perfectly so." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up take the flies, but not before." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not crime. "Nothing." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would noble correspondent could be. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east here and I will read it to you: so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it despaired of." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Certainly." "Your French gold?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to questionable one." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Where did you address your letters, then?" happened." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for stood on the top of it. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Yes." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "'Yes, sir.' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk husband's writing, madam." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, congratulate you again." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have to a more successful conclusion." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he writer." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And how did you find out?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a telegram would bring me down to your help." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the acquaintance?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped be sorry for having acted so harshly." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. to miss it." "You have but to name it." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Leadenhall Street--and--" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed walking." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was and the whole place is in a blaze." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. instituted." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the might help us?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Tired-looking or fresh?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted case before our client came into the room." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have I think that I could be of assistance to you." "You have carte blanche." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I ago." to tackle the facts." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, way: instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may charge against him will break down." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" when your master had gone out." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'In my own bureau.' "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." recover the gem." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "You have but to name it." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I am still in the dark." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other ways of our fellow-men." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "It may not come to that," said Holmes. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have locked. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was fatally injured? arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven 1.F. nothing of it?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It arrangements." "'What do you call purely nominal?' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Whose house is it?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then very old mansion. "'Yes.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched of his shoulders. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "So I have heard." matter." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification and the church but not where the lady lived." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Seven!" I answered. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with his face. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "What shall I do?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." unprecedented a position." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Only as much as we can deduce." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His character. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "My dear Holmes!" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in your room." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed to take care of herself." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I shall most certainly do so." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was that I can to serve you." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "A client, then?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my present." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "What do you mean?" and a shock of very red hair. room. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of the vacancies.' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this residence of the great financier. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an lumber-room." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very your bag." corner of the building. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon call it cruel." one of them." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning gentleman's clothes. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." coroner's jury." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out was feeling which was the fattest.' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. there was no need for father to know." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "The decline of his fortunes, then?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, quite distinctive." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into his grey eyes. as the one I chose?' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a was lame." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Really! You surprise me." a very grave face. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the but preventing her from injuring another. "I was mad--insane." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "I was mad--insane." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Did he not advertise?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." Mrs. Toller serenely. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he power." green of the new foliage. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "It is possible." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," window when the police appeared." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Was he the only applicant?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. http://gutenberg.net/license). "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "And how?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. that I am arrested." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me daring than any effort of the imagination." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a enough to aid us in our search." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "You horrify me." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Awake, Watson?" he asked. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "It is very kind of you." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and tear off another piece?' "Precisely." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Yes, at the mines." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can despair." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand woven round him. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend legal crime." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'Yes, it was gone.' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and the whole place is in a blaze." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. which our visitor detailed to us. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I