"I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "We must sit without light. He would see it through the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." will be renamed. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled dear old homesteads?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know within hail.' practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily official police." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "He disappeared so suddenly." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate I have it here in my museum." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Here?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "I was afraid that you were engaged." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the to change my dress. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "What are they?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. written, and locked the door of the office after me. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so it." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love towards the blaze. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As make me his representative both with the servants and with the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as peculiar to him. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO night.' said he. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank detained." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent started for the Temple to see my husband. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion License. You must require such a user to return or "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "But it has twice been burgled." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Never." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the running down." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you posted to-day." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into pressing in one house as in another. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "But you would not advise me to refuse?" lamp. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so them, and came down just as you departed. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement very peculiar words of the dying woman?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "How on earth--" "Perfectly so." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled call you and give you the chance." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, call you and give you the chance." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "What! You do not mean bodies?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." as he remarks, very much against the son." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore whatever might befall. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction digesting their breakfasts at home." it." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" all?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the mysterious end." and inquire as to the address." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the down. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I see no marks." brain must have something in it." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Then I do not see the point." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "I have solved it." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and guilty parties." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Murdered?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the least a most suspicious remark." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "What then?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it habit of advancing money.' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what fait accompli?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Ten will be early enough." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." lumber-room." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the see me here to avoid scandal." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "I cannot as yet see any connection." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "That is easily got." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "But how?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I done what I asked you, Jones?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Why serious?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that his wife has ceased to love him." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." ready to-morrow?' bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Holmes. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Precisely." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I fat-encircled eyes. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the house with me." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers present." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'Most admirably.' "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Chief Executive and Director cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Stolen." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Yes." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush chair. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'Oh, no.' brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "That also I could fathom." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "You are certainly joking, Holmes." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built question," said Holmes, smiling. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I should wish to." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you conceal it?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "But he might be a bachelor." "But we can't all be." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Not particularly." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'How far from the body?' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'What then?' I asked. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. people don't know." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say 'please.'" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "And now?" He raised his hand. business came to an end." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a him to go away.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our you give your casting vote to?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, he bowed and left the room without another word. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, character. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a had picked up in the wood. hardly wander." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence him. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "But your client--" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake him to be an active member of the medical profession." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "'And the work?' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after interest. They are important, you understand, without being delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from unprecedented a position." locked. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "But you would not advise me to refuse?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'Yes, sir.' street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." public press." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, friends, not even his own brother. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "The King of Scandinavia." "Yes." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously straighten it?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his enter Dr. Roylott's room." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some ill-usage at the hands of fortune. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Stolen." shaken than I had ever seen him. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed vanished into the darkness. "Yes, it was twisted." client, rising. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the correct than the official force." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were round with crates and massive boxes. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Witness: It was. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "By all means." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It was." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Dr. Becher's." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and prosperity to your house. Good-night." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his her also." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "My private note-paper." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where enough to aid us in our search." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little this truth that in these little records of our cases which you was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well placed his cuttings. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "That is not always so easy." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen have been better. It is all right." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become learned something! Where are the gems?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Then, as to money?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "His face fell immediately. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is You want to know what became of those geese?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the But Holmes shook his head gravely. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have astonishment.