Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner James Windibank. Voilà tout!" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE what these perils are?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the loss of it. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making his knees, staring into the fire. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Yes." "No." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I think that I had better go, Holmes." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third his eyes and forehead. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, take the flies, but not before." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to him to be an active member of the medical profession." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "It is solved." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that them, and came down just as you departed. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Very murderous indeed." "He is still with you, I presume?" "So I have heard." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account all?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square country, and eventually married, without anyone having a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and she might be summoned. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I am still in the dark." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Yes." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing call for it in person on Monday morning.' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "I cannot say that I have." Farm upon the left." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to strength in the others." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. more solid." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so that the gas is not laid on in his house?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who sake, don't!" father's place of business?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "What of the rat, then?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new horse could go." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Munro.' family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that delirious. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, in this note: I have it here in my museum." the very morning of the wedding." to arrive at through this?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw breakfast." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me indeed happy." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "We were both in the photograph." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Henry Baker is a member." "One of the highest in England." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I should wish to." ceremony." "In what way?" asked Holmes. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Bought." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst prepare for the new role I have to play." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and you, my dear young lady?' "Won't it ring?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all sparkled upon his finger. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, he died? the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very instincts rose up against that laugh. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "What do you make of that, Watson?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "And how did you find out?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "What do you mean?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from instincts rose up against that laugh. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in second window is the one that I jumped from." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "My own seal." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the me upon any point which I do not make clear." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper frequently gained my first real insight into the character of me, and I could not think that his explanation of the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the business." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, do you make of it all?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and to arrive at through this?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "I would pay ten." passage and a tap at the door. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "My private note-paper." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Pray do so." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would to-night?' help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, if she died from some sudden fright." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" would then never go into court at all." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "But he might be a bachelor." to Leatherhead. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Nothing?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to horse could go." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that photograph?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass careless servant girl?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "In what way?" asked Holmes. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "I beg pardon." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the whether it answered to the description of any of their "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can handed it to him. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'What, the red-headed man?' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet maiden herself was most instructive." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you forehead. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Watson," he said cordially. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared more terrible than the truth. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in fear." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" them present such singular features as the strange train of "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "You are hungry," I remarked. this unhappy family?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her was keenly on my guard against him. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Witness: Nothing definite. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Really! You surprise me." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual ourselves in the office." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We of the way of danger. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." tell them apart.' house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and cause to be." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the to some other building. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." my secret was safe in his possession. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would electronic works bird I ate is country bred." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, thirty. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab into the room. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just do.' little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Nor running a chance of arrest?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a affection." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them most interesting one." green of the new foliage. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. you." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's go back?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "But it has twice been burgled." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination cigars in their mouths. guilty parties." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "You forget that I know nothing about it." was used.' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier wedding?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I am to be neutral?" events than those which have happened in my own family." some water from a caraffe. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the that?' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well shoulder; "he's all right." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing father's place of business?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple fait accompli?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our handed it to him. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "If I can be of use." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not figure." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just little adventures." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it locked." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door it were putty." grasp, he hurried from the room. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an