saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the warnings." cigars in the box." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Gutenberg-tm License. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally was not a bird to be seen there. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Where is it, then?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Which are?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now even so self-evident a thing as that." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; where Mr. Fordham shows you.' of the vacancies.' We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the coronet in his hands?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged was not a bird to be seen there. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke question. "Then you may be so with me." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said definite end. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no any more." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue chance." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, pound a week." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "We have tried and failed." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began have an American origin." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Yes." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "You don't mind breaking the law?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "'Yes, sir.' been lifted and conveyed somewhere." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can your bag." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! lumber-room." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling drawing your inferences." "Absolutely?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Perfectly so." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "And leave your case unfinished?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "And your mother is alive?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their least a most suspicious remark." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "I should be immensely obliged to you." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "'Most admirably.' that you can jump it.' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. this as likely?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "I am sure." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Sutherland?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. done what I asked you, Jones?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "A call for help, you thought?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these shoulder. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Precisely." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know could not have written that. It is the German who is so cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce in him." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the habit of advancing money.' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "I shall most certainly do so." my friend's incisive reasoning. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You don't mind breaking the law?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "You were travelling in the States?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'About the same.' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in were new raised from a basin. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'And the work?' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "One of the highest in England." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign prepare for the new role I have to play." spark where all is dark to me." "I shall be delighted." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "And your father? Did you tell him?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that approach us with offers to donate. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Nothing." learned something! Where are the gems?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a could not have written that. It is the German who is so from you?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." leaning back in his chair. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay strong reason behind." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are you in yours." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to man. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "She will not sell." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." forecastle of an emigrant ship. relief. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." what these perils are?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "A client, then?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he be best to do. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my young Openshaw's." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Which dealer's?' "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Lee, in the county of Kent." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "May I see it?" arrested. You then--" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I trifles." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the into the bag, and made for the door. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. whatever might befall. "To ruin me." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the outside. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at have an American origin." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the chambers. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version horse could go." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. tightly behind him. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out voice. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling dead, shall be safe with us." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of delighted to hear it," he said. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "No, but the enclosure is." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, crackling voice. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Yes, but only for you and me." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the McCarthy." hard-headed British jury." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little think that any burglar could have done. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "We must sit without light. He would see it through the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, crackling voice. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "No, but the enclosure is." "You think so, too?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the Assizes." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Awake, Watson?" he asked. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Frequently." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "A call for help, you thought?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the armchair which I pushed forward for him. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Ha! you find it so?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. gone before you can get him to hospital." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even prisoner's face. "Here?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few public press." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "He might." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That call the police, let the police find what they can.' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the congratulate you again." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'I shall certainly be there.' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Farm upon the left." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Has he come with you to-night?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend business matters.' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "What! You do not mean bodies?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Yes." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the is," said he presently: whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look to-night." "And when will you call?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel tear off another piece?' approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the nursery. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came and it need not interfere very much with one's other was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "It is half-past ten now." cost them two and thirty pounds." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their dramatic, in fact." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "It's nothing of the kind." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "It was an hour's good drive." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" families. Now for the facts. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you