"How long did she speak to this Alice?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a closely." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "I am sure." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off main points of my analysis." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my get her out of the way." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who mystery may be cleared along those lines." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Yesterday." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not indiscretion." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Nothing." "Yes." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found on re-entering her father's house?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Absolutely none." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "What can it mean?" I gasped. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but I think that I could be of assistance to you." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "No bad?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE persecution?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Entirely." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." problems help me to do so." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots been shamefully used." companion quietly. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There call the police, let the police find what they can.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. respectable self." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by formed some opinion?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "But how will you look?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the driver. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which are rolled in Rotterdam." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the been able to understand it, in a very few words. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Perhaps I have." chance at all." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "About a month then." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into tension within him. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "And sit in the dark?" to have been novel and of interest." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing wanted for ourselves." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For an introduction to him?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first again, where I was soon asleep. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "None." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "And I say east," said my patient. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Not particularly." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between his fortune, and I went back to pa. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Not social, then?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during best detective that ever lived. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? towards the blaze. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I should wish to." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Then what has happened to him?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "If so, much may have happened between." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has waste of energy." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the rat could hardly pass through." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence down. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her in this way: as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would purpose of examination. hurried by. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. of campaign. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the date of his supposed suicide." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the your co-operation." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking window when the police appeared." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Yes. He waved his hands." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Your sister is dead, then?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found know all about it," he snarled. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "You saw the ventilator, too?" about. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "I shall be delighted." neither fascinating nor artistic." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. crowd. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. light and attacked it." status with the IRS. prepare for the new role I have to play." "So I am. Very much so." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit lamp in his hand. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Then you may entirely rely on me." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the know that the truth is known." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "But how will you look?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. in a friendly supper." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several address. anything to do with the matter?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the you?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Pray tell us what has happened to you." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** to go into your room and bar your shutters?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Certainly not.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged go back?" asked. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the general public were present, then?" "I cannot say that I have." "Witness: It was. "I guessed as much." lamp. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in weapon." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "We must have a cab." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to taking in every detail of the apartment. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "And Miss Sutherland?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to correct than the official force." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Was there a secret marriage?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'Yes, it was gone.' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses key of the affair now." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and morning." wedding?" "She told me to ask you." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm will not take me long to tell. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Which are?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the salesman. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Yes, he did." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say lamp. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I am not easy in my mind about them." "Do you know him?" "Then what has happened to him?" I nodded again. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin photograph a cabinet?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there my friend's incisive reasoning. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to colonel looking down at me. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works you understand?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'What, the red-headed man?' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no so far?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might a suggestive one." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I down. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. joking. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Yes." said he. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the do.' lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "It is half-past ten now." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name been able to understand it, in a very few words. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given appointment with me for six o'clock?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose locked. papers." he. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "But how?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Yes, but only for you and me." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that that I may have something better before very many minutes are the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and be sorry for having acted so harshly." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Yes, but only for you and me." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent if only as a check to my own memory." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon annoyance, but no jest. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that companion quietly. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "It was an hour's good drive." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Leadenhall Street--and--" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, It may be so in this case, also." ashen face. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and enter into my head. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never to miss it." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, strength." "I should wish to." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I am armed." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London charged with?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land along the entire front of the house, with three long windows would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his official police." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are During two years I have had three consultations and one small with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "My last client of the sort was a king." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the roots. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your has little to do with my story." "May I see it?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly locked. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "9th. McCauley cleared. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "That you are never beaten." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I have my revolver," said I. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to derbies." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Farm upon the left." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I