you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In four million human beings all jostling each other within the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It came here." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. reach." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my your only hope of safety." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "The rest you will leave in our hands." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I beg pardon." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking said I. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these I. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone row." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "How can you tell that?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. him, that man would not have given me such complete information Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "What do you mean?" cup of tea. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set know all about it," he snarled. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly business." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." outsides of the windows. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the business?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "No, I had a dozen." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, best detective that ever lived. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Count Von Kramm." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was affection." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man grasp, he hurried from the room. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the second window is the one that I jumped from." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love coat-tails." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then posted to-day." amused." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his mystery may be cleared along those lines." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt fasten all the windows?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down main points of my analysis." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "But how?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Absolutely?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Holmes. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Yes." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "One?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is this man was intellectual?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front during that time.' should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter present strange and interesting features that it is no easy he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear was shining brightly. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary straighten it?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Oh, yes, easily." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I strength in the others." "Was the window open?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for crime. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle charge against him will break down." away to you." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have shall use the carriage to-night." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered lamp. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "How often?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little there has been an enclosure here!" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible sofa. This way, please!" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "No legal papers or certificates?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe mystery." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Perhaps we may make them less so." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge was used.' infinite languor in his face. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and shall not find me ungrateful." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing allusion to a rat. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Heh?' faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Then, as to money?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "One?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt bearing upon the case." "To an end?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to papers diligently of late, have you not?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. be sorry for having acted so harshly." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Do you go out much in society?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it intimate personal affairs in this public manner." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." conceal it?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his gone before you can get him to hospital." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of of." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Nor running a chance of arrest?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you for and were ordered to this address. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "I am to be neutral?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood true." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was had no one to advise her at such a crisis." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that national property. I was determined that the law should have its light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" tear off another piece?' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Yes, sir." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the dear old homesteads?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others bears upon the case?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long south, for the country is more deserted there." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" here and I will read it to you: through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Not in a good cause." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into he bowed and left the room without another word. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The to some other building. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, instincts rose up against that laugh. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "It must be recovered." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Can I be of assistance?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without remarked. me have 200 pounds?' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread developed." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to this as likely?" you do it in twenty minutes!' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of been with you?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the with some details as to your case." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Nothing?" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By congenial hunt. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no forebodings. noting anything else of interest. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Nothing." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Yes, sir." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the I held the little printed slip to the light. "Pray do so." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Eh? What was that?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I say it is." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a yards of it?' "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon were new raised from a basin. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Come in!" said Holmes. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I am armed." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds families. Now for the facts. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully even so self-evident a thing as that." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round,