train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are all-comprehensive glances. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to conclusions. absorbing." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven passage and a tap at the door. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Was she in good spirits?" reach." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "It is very clear." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and pressing in one house as in another. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" such person." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has prison!" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" fat-encircled eyes. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" again." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold a very grave face. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated vault. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Stolen!' he cried. off." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "That is possible." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in gbnewby@pglaf.org heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Miss Holder?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' papers on the sundial.'" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Has he come with you to-night?" orange pips. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'There is a drive, then?' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has lost his Christmas dinner." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Yes, it was twisted." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates charge against him will break down." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Pray be precise as to details," said he. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors is now desirous of getting those letters back." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me will find little credit to be gained out of this case." yourselves in at night?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical drawing your inferences." his fortune, and I went back to pa. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I should wish to." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker evidence," I remarked. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "What is it, then--a fire?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Yes." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "'Is purely nominal.' imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the stable lane now." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an long narrative. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Stolen, then." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Perhaps we may make them less so." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "From his hat?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "I cannot imagine." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. colour had been driven from his face. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Nothing?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she you?' security.' strength in the others." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the matter." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your served to weaken the effect. could go. all that?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his sofa. This way, please!" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know answered with a sidelong glance. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I writers could invent nothing more crude." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the room while you explain this matter?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, works. See paragraph 1.E below. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate hereditary King of Bohemia." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end even of instruction." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my intimate personal affairs in this public manner." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Look there!" said he. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers pity, because in other respects you would really have done very lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and speckled band?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is prison!" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he father's place of business?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "The murder was done with it." undoubtedly my uncle's." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by that I am arrested." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of habit of advancing money.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. McCarthy." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "His face fell immediately. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to out of this horrible affair." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "No more words. Get out!" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the address that was given us in the advertisement. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official affection." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and eat it." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business prison!" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose to go into your room and bar your shutters?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe perplexity from it to my illustrious client. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that in my life." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Of what day?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. sooner or later she must fall a victim. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, carried out of court." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the good-night and bustled off upon her way. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for overpowering excitement and concern. "Very. But will he see it?" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Precisely." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud matters immensely." the running down." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Very well, sir. And this stone?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness could gather together that I was able to avert another public fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found everything which you would wish to know." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that could not account in any way for the presence of the missing that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize the iron safe, which he closed upon it. not, dad?" she asked. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "It came here." ago." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "What!" he roared. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the Friday. Was it to be in church?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H your only hope of safety." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Eyford." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or in darkness. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'Never,' said I. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "I see many objections to any such theory." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I hair?' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Then you may be so with me." signal between you and your father? age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." his face. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And it is--" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being bell. Holmes whistled. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Surrey." "Yes, it would be as well." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must third from London." had a long day." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under in the hope of finding them." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter round with crates and massive boxes. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon hair?' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each married her." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for mystery may be cleared along those lines." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back tear off another piece?' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very so.' having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "No." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on morning." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who I think that I could be of assistance to you." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Murdered?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given them present such singular features as the strange train of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see 'I should be able to look after that for you.' outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Seven!" I answered. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Witness: It was. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide looking up at the numbers of the houses." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And now?" He raised his hand. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "But how could you guess what the motive was?" hand, madam?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" client, rising. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Well?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of