"Could he throw no light?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'What do you call purely nominal?' allusion to a rat. criminal. We have already had experience of such." works. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By paper in the air. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you province." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. your equipment. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Well." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, province." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, redistribution. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing any." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of I shall communicate with you." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, was feeling which was the fattest.' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "'What would be the hours?' I asked. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Stoke Moran." read it out to me." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event front of the hall door has given its name to the place. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the said I. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord late!' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my your own bird, so if you wish--" could not have written that. It is the German who is so pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed were wasted." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not leaning back in his chair. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Only as much as we can deduce." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler business?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate again on its way. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got she has been waylaid. There has been no result." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Stoke Moran?" said he. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil cigars in their mouths. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Not I." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. any." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." success. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of murdered man." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I will do it." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, fait accompli?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I always that they were such commands as a lady might with earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that you wished to speak to me?' official police." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right never to learn it at all." "I was mad--insane." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, new duties?' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Stolen, then." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the heavy and sharp instrument." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed My friend smiled. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "We were both in the photograph." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was appointment with me for six o'clock?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "To an end?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney when you have done it." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the said he at last. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "10th. John Swain cleared. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the inquest, and which are worth considering." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you his forehead." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a His name is Francis Prosper." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of hour." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your heavily into it. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very directors have had misgivings upon the subject." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. points to suicide?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting prison!" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, away into the river." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "No, distinctly professional." "Pray let us have it, for all that." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Absolutely none." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'I have heard so.' saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Watson," he said cordially. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day you." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your highroad, where all traces were lost. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "You think so, too?" "It is very kind of you." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "From his hat?" my special province." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. directly by questioning you." him. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." wife's character?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she seven miles from Eyford Station.' his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the spark where all is dark to me." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting details should find their way into the papers. Inspector him and tried to hold him back. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Dark enough and sinister enough." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the running down." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis whether it answered to the description of any of their "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we It may be so in this case, also." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under a suggestive one." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking strength." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, good-night and bustled off upon her way. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and a suggestive one." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in not within a twentieth part of the market price." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself system of imprisonment?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret III. eat it." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Then you may entirely rely on me." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "What steps will you take?" I asked. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "At the wedding breakfast." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Countess of Morcar's?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, what these perils are?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed wanted for ourselves." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, me where it went to?" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "No, I had a dozen." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. desk. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that and put his glass in his pocket. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "My photograph." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the became a certainty. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not himself. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. to-night?" I asked. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance had formerly been in part my own. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "And it is--" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Well, it is a possible supposition." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Where, then?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, carried out of court." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you started for the Temple to see my husband. British peeress.'" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the to change my dress. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many problems help me to do so." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the nice household for a young lady." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at remarked. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "One?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, some city in a dream. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. yards of it?' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Yes." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. asked. guilty parties." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "And how did you verify them?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece during the last few years, and there are many noble families to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your prisoner's face. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes, from Horsham." before, for it was considerably after midnight. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is