has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "And now?" He raised his hand. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, disturbance in my wife." and inquire as to the address." "I cannot imagine." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My cigar and let me expound." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I promise," said Holmes. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, indiscretion." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand your only hope of safety." I shall continue with my miserable story. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a deduce something from that?" may have an influence upon European history." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There lumber-room." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Very murderous indeed." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. will he say when he returns?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than clanging. "Well?" over here." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Gutenberg-tm License. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house bed dies. Does not that strike you?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the coroner come to?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Then I can wait in the next room." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the it with his own hands." was a perfect sample of the class. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you of the way of danger. if she died from some sudden fright." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our there has been an enclosure here!" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between investigation." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We yards of it?' business matters.' upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having friend's singular character. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "And why?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The discontent upon his features. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The results." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the easy-going way." detective. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "And the murderer?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the me what he had done with the three missing stones. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Why did you pick him?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the tension within him. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves IS beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the During two years I have had three consultations and one small seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "And how did you find out?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can retorted upon me, and I on you." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Quite so." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Have you it here?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the iron safe, which he closed upon it. a good hundred miles off by now." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a not personally threatened." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp something of him before." are, and they are waiting for us." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" occupations.' is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. hand, madam?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he already been minutely examined." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. people don't know." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "'It is locked up,' I answered. drove away. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Holmes' face clouded over. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a call for it in person on Monday morning.' I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Your French gold?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call meant it for the best. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "What office?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Where is it, then?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "I will, Miss Turner." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the his face which made him a very different person to the round, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Her father is very rich?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square himself in a perplexing position. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the ceiling. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no happened." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were just ask you whether you had heard it.' tear off another piece?' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Is purely nominal.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by fact, we may call it conclusive." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as goes." "I have my revolver," said I. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Well, but China?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Henry Baker is a member." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "No. What a strange idea!" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook most interesting one." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the depend upon my doing so.' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the roused himself from his reverie. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the have not had my rubber." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four my former friend and companion. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'How far from the body?' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize chill to my heart. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "No, thank goodness, she did not." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a like gravel from a pit.' little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." system of imprisonment?" read over the extraordinary announcement. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been God! What an exposure! What can I do?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "'What then?' I asked. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "None." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to a light-house. business at Coburg Square is serious." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to was already answered. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid in the hope of finding them." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Yes, sir." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "And Miss Sutherland?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'I am sure that I do not know.' Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "It is solved." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Have you it here?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "A client, then?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so my little problems." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently constraint." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "And I." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he confronted him. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was case before our client came into the room." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the one as in the other." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. way: detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "And what did you learn from him?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "But I am all in the dark." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction it." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. chance at all." man. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside upon the shelf for the interim." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that 'I should be able to look after that for you.' fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager affair. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is third from London." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the look dissatisfied." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The lamp in his hand. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I to-night?" I asked. "But we can't all be." soul! here is her carriage at the door." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and have I gained?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "My Mary? Impossible!" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Do you receive much company?" he asked. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "But your client--" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before drawing your inferences." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'And the work?' minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as three fields round his house, and there he would take his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "He slept on the premises." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of placed his cuttings. "Not in a good cause." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "I am in hopes that she does." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting What do you deduce from it?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry late!' "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the matter." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It