"And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite papers on the sundial.'" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other in. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the just called myself is not exactly my own." stammered. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all digesting their breakfasts at home." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, carpenter." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Why did you beat the pavement?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general brought there to personate someone, and the real person is you?' however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I families. Now for the facts. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden bird of prey. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Watson," he said cordially. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the said Mr. Holder. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' papers." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Certainly." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "To the police?" was it brought him the coronet? father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its row." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes noble correspondent could be. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers me. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The to-night." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent away into the river." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned time." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. absorbing." narrative." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. to you." was a lad." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father three of the beryls in it, was missing. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, lamp. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "But what harm can there be in that?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back not personally threatened." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger to miss it." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are to you." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction copied or distributed: arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'Certainly not. But why?' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six The King stared at him in amazement. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both newspaper selections." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Will you go?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Then the page we have seen--" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite here and I will read it to you: "You heard nothing yourself last night?" affair. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute becomes even more simple." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have hopeless attempt at recovering them." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the very letters. But what is this written above them?' despaired of." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but case-book, which he consulted. "Where, indeed?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could foot. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the and looked back. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Lestrade of Scotland Yard." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage said he. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I am still in the dark." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Then he might have called to you?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as should be so warm over such a trifle." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "She will not sell." "Then, how do you know?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try key turn in the lock." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "It is his hat." "By train from Waterloo." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, woman." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know electronic works number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "What will you say?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened which it had come upon my father." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands hurried away. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Gutenberg-tm License. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly his face which made him a very different person to the round, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "'In my own bureau.' to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up than to us. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was into the room. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he The note was undated, and without either signature or address. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of leaning back in his chair. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her over with notes and figures. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the records." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the certainly do as you advise." "You think that he is dead?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips which our visitor detailed to us. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried once more on the important position which you have been fortunate He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "It is possible." towards the blaze. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; lectures into a series of tales." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. populous neighbourhood." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to ago." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry right! Sit down and let us talk it over." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper said he. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "What of the rat, then?" pierced for earrings?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his lips." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out she slowly sank and died without having recovered her house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger see a sister of mine apply for." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Never." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I cannot think." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and case-book, which he consulted. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue woman who has had her own way to make in the world. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "My stepfather's business papers." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Sutherland. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was three of the beryls in it, was missing. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting became a certainty. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Ah!" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'I am sure that I do not know.' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a gigantic client. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. gbnewby@pglaf.org in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "My last client of the sort was a king." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions for the market.' "It certainly sounds feasible." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "I have seen the police." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his back alive. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography certainly do as you advise." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "But of what society?" your equipment. system of imprisonment?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. better in every way that they should make their position a little did not hear it also.' chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to be best to do. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Surrey." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an weary and pale-looking. remarked. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of of this gang." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to friends, not even his own brother. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I don't believe it." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "You are hungry," I remarked. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I memory. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last there in twenty minutes." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in delirious. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "To the police?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of at a side door. distinguish the words: "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson name is different." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of was used.' This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall asked. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the discontent upon his features. "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled will he say when he returns?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "My dear Holmes!" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, visitors." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a some terrible trap for her." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking dramatic, in fact." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom passage and a tap at the door. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the tragedy. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your address. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the ceiling. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Precisely so. But how--" the devil!" against a man in the prime of life?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a