misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless details." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate what do you think they found in the pockets?" which it had come upon my father." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Were they all fastened this morning?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I see many objections to any such theory." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I assure you that I am in your hands." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Stolen, then." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "It is very clear." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "My stepfather's business papers." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Holmes. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his seen the man in the road." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Gutenberg-tm License. nice household for a young lady." clang of the bell. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which upon the sideboard." "He is dead," cried several voices. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so ordinary clothes on?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather you understand?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Frequently." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Certainly." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Your presence might be invaluable." some terrible trap for her." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "So I am. Very much so." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, which was all perfectly true. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "This photograph!" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was I approached. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Tired-looking or fresh?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 shoulder; "he's all right." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very criminal. We have already had experience of such." indeed which he could not unravel. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was of the one which your family is now devouring." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for three of the beryls in it, was missing. trying to your nerves." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and stood on the top of it. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said results." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Then I shall certainly come." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm families. Now for the facts. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it leaning back in his chair. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Chief Executive and Director nonsense.' We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources trifles." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' colonel looking down at me. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the coronet in his hand?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the tragedy. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Is he quiet?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "You horrify me!" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay it." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and matters immensely." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'A dozen yards or so.' little adventures." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose outbreak?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "'Oh, no.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found an introduction to him?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is waste of energy." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent notes," he said. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. has little to do with my story." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am even of instruction." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, suddenly upon us." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after pictures, libraries, or plate. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are she has been waylaid. There has been no result." thin legs towards the fire. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers some place of shelter and let the county police know what has round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you or in danger--" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "It is a murder, then?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "'It is locked up,' I answered. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, him nearly every evening." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw perplexity from it to my illustrious client. conceal it?" "But the mystery?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "But his lameness?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "What shall I do?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, second." followed. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has and put his glass in his pocket. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. open." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a there when the Rucastles went away." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." touch that coronet?' "And who is her maid?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have get the tickets." used to be." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my deduce something from that?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Entirely.' was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must o'clock is it?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a go from here to the Strand." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and been deceived." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable burst out into a roar of laughter. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "How about poison?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and a very grave face. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." acquaintance?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I do." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the absorbing." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless of them has the shutters up.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Imitated." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I cannot imagine." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Why did you pick him?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you make me his representative both with the servants and with the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the look upon these things in a different way." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try I. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I would give my fortune to have them back." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "And I to find an enemy." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "In what way?" asked Holmes. the coroner come to?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "And sit in the dark?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in is a common subject for conversation. crackling voice. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Certainly." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in fat-encircled eyes. and looked back. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "What then?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I speckled band?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. gbnewby@pglaf.org me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Leadenhall Street--and--" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and American. Then who could this American be, and why should he husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the intrusion of other matters." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the coronet in his hands?" all-comprehensive glances. gentleman's clothes. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Is he quiet?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "At half-wages, in fact." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay remarked. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may eat it." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my have not had my rubber." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "And your father? Did you tell him?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers public press." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'Yes, sir.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "At the wedding breakfast." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. habit of advancing money.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely instituted." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is placed his cuttings. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "I am about to be married." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was ashen face. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Yes, I have one waiting." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were