strange features which were associated with the two crimes which nothing of it?" security.' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "But what will you do?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: room had already been engaged for us. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but and no precautions can guard against." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "'Stolen!' he cried. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Then I am your man." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now been lifted and conveyed somewhere." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the might have a private word with us. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband distinguish the words: prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of do.' Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the in. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "I cannot tell." married her." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "No legal papers or certificates?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "It came here." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I this poor creature." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in ago." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said and inquire as to the address." chill to my heart. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and constraint." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Well?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "VIOLET HUNTER." "She will not sell." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Nothing?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could society." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight people in all walks of life. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something less than 26s. 4d. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Where to?' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Yes, that is the Crown." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the Red-headed League." weighed down with some great anxiety. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double spark where all is dark to me." "But his lameness?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal presented which may be striking and bizarre without being that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found call for it in person on Monday morning.' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "May I see it?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." shall not find me ungrateful." "So I am. Very much so." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Could he throw no light?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I think that it is very probable." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the both be extremely obliged.' greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "He might." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Thank you. And your address?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from with you alone." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Very murderous indeed." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, friend's singular character. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it tied." remarked. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the works. See paragraph 1.E below. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too bell. Holmes whistled. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small man. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my will find little credit to be gained out of this case." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Then I am your man." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our my secret was safe in his possession. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "You know me, then?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "A call for help, you thought?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. behind me. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. pound a week." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the Red-headed League." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in wedding?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my place no limit on the sum I may draw." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him to me. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the Red-headed League." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition from you?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Your presence might be invaluable." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Married! When?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, never will be, entirely cleared up. lumber-room." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what crime. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I never have." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Then what has happened to him?" "Very. But will he see it?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to has little to do with my story." wanted for ourselves." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had cigars in their mouths. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any which should have the effect of calling the attention of the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better room?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" emerged. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. that threaten you." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my points to suicide?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I am to be neutral?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked quick march!" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Certainly." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the is now desirous of getting those letters back." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. chance." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "What have you to say now?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "And leave your case unfinished?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took to tackle the facts." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "So it appears." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I derbies." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less chambers. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Did he not advertise?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such seven miles from Eyford Station.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'What, the red-headed man?' tension within him. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. flock.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even tell them apart.' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be weighed down with some great anxiety. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Could he throw no light?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." asked with his eyes open. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have made him keep the appointment." down. business?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love said I. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Pool. "Where, indeed?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, his huge brown hands. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the important." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly meant it for the best. was lame." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. know all about it," he snarled. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. nonsense.' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "You did not overhear what they said?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that IS for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for I am not easy in my mind about them." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote photograph a cabinet?" Lee, in the county of Kent." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Yes." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously very old mansion. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, good for you to do.' "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and as yours." dead, shall be safe with us." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the meanly of me." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Very murderous indeed." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My too. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident at my remark. "No sign of it?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Nothing?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I assure you that I am in your hands." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the chemical work which was so dear to him. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." the coronet in his hand?" investigation." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic But Holmes shook his head gravely. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. purpose equally well?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "My Mary? Impossible!" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the