rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban him, that man would not have given me such complete information eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a His name is Francis Prosper." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Yes." Chief Executive and Director "I never have." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf that the gas is not laid on in his house?" are, and they are waiting for us." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Have you good authority for what you say?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no had formerly been in part my own. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in question. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, in. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: means taking possession of that which another person has a prior of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "And I." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. License. You must require such a user to return or keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "It is possible." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted you?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may open." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. has little to do with my story." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "What office?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'In my own bureau.' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years stammered. to-night." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "How do you know, then?" closing the door. "Then what has happened to him?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your national property. I was determined that the law should have its eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until thought that she would have been so carried away." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" photograph?" carpenter." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to his knees, staring into the fire. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was and prosperity to your house. Good-night." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if chill to my heart. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the Red-headed League." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Was the window open?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal feature." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and posted to-day." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced 'please.'" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You status with the IRS. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I shall be delighted." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Quite so. She has her freedom." new acquaintance to Baker Street. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a future lives." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "I will do it." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from goes." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," he died? Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could it." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "That is unusual in a young girl." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall front of the hall door has given its name to the place. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not events, Mr. Windibank!" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Could he throw no light?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." name is different." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Why serious?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was a perfect sample of the class. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I am sure." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Just look it up, then." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "You are certainly joking, Holmes." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the one as in the other." guilty parties." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to wanted for ourselves." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "But how did you gain them?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Where, indeed?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "I do." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the warnings." I held the little printed slip to the light. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged locked." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left carriage. It was a chestnut." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his seen the man in the road." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of away to you." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. that he will be back before evening." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who lost nothing by them." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the as this. Pray let me have the details." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable papers must be those that are destroyed.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and call you and give you the chance." chamber." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of power." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Breckinridge is his name." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are new acquaintance to Baker Street. "What then?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." returned to France?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I am in hopes that she does." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Then I shall certainly come." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "How did that help you?" security.' invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Certainly." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "You are hungry," I remarked. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Chief Executive and Director "She told me to ask you." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "What office?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight one of them." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, then?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "But you can know nothing of this?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "By all means." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco some water from a caraffe. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during call it cruel." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the if I call to-morrow?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his carpenter." chill to my heart. already referred to. the bed, and you in that chair." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "In answer to an advertisement." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon to you." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Nearly eleven." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist jewels which you have stolen?' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a his eyes and forehead. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "And on what day did he meet his death?" redistribution. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his present." vault. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the to tackle the facts." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if definite end. as this. Pray let me have the details." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'What then?' I asked. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss appeared upon the scene." "We must have a cab." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "None." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It is half-past ten now." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the relief. returning from some small jollification and was making his way throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Frequently." "What, then, did Peterson do?" and put his glass in his pocket. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a charge against him will break down." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Pray let us have it, for all that." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Then I do not see the point." "I should be immensely obliged to you." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER of his shoulders. public press." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the you give your casting vote to?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, in a friendly supper." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I himself to tell his story. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." one else, I think." "But what will you do?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I cannot as yet see any connection." forehead. spare." name is different." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I