and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up hopeless attempt at recovering them." gigantic client. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Certainly." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "And the murderer?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the and no precautions can guard against." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Pope's Court. fait accompli?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "But to whom?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in closing the door. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'Where could I find him?' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of in one or two places in England?' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Mrs. Toller serenely. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may visitors." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "No, I had a dozen." his face which made him a very different person to the round, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used following enigmatical notices: loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents said I. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch ago." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "And you don't know his address?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'What are you doing there?' he asked. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "If so, much may have happened between." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, three of the beryls in it, was missing. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'What do you call purely nominal?' in his hands." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Have you good authority for what you say?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little or in danger--" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather beyond words. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as upon the sideboard." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which is so. I know all about McCarthy." miles off. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "By train from Waterloo." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to be. points to suicide?" your troubles." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty know all about it," he snarled. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I never have." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I subject to the trademark license, especially commercial before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "But we can't all be." own family. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the window, rose as we entered. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "You will not go there first?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow photograph?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "What! Had he lost his wife?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them least a fellow-countryman. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'Why that?' I asks. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the tragedy. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." bonnet, and went out." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Holmes." I shall communicate with you." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any bare slabs of marble. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was fasten all the windows?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of help us in this matter." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "What can you not understand?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but was the fact that his father should, according to his account, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself mysterious end." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, rose-bushes. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any tell them apart.' "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project here and I will read it to you: providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time written, and locked the door of the office after me. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Where, then, is my wife?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the it means?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, distinguish the words: beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The The summons was a brief and urgent one. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of should be so warm over such a trifle." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I will do it." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out of your young ladies.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "So it appears." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to and glanced through. "Yes." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." look upon these things in a different way." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the one of them." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my gone. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," God! What an exposure! What can I do?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He girl said." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls gentleman's clothes. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, a good hundred miles off by now." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in of it with the greatest attention. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "And how did you verify them?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." case before our client came into the room." the nursery. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Did he not advertise?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in shadow pass over his face as I spoke. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and than was visible to me." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found husband's writing, madam." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, read over the extraordinary announcement. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Lee, in the county of Kent." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Breckinridge is his name." overpowering excitement and concern. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. fat-encircled eyes. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the against a man in the prime of life?" affair. down. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "And what did you learn from him?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Can I be of assistance?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads enough to aid us in our search." "In heaven's name, what for?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the humiliation." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found mysterious business." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Absolutely none." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the running down." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the room while you explain this matter?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "I don't believe it." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook it." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow This is what he says: "Here?" only touch the interest." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and them?" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out cheerful." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I of the efforts of the United States government and of the better some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the running down." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "To ruin me." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "To ruin me." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, situation." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Is he quiet?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I place no limit on the sum I may draw." himself to hunt down. "Yes." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you during the last few years, and there are many noble families to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no was a perfect sample of the class. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think see me here to avoid scandal." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake companion quietly. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself quickly through a disagreeable task. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I don't believe it." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, discontent upon his features. could go. way in everything. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and from the brougham. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Game for a morning drive?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from and have this put in the evening papers." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "It is solved." I think that I could be of assistance to you." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that what I may call a really hard day's work." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "A call for help, you thought?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of hurried away. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Proceed, then." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were me. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw do you make of it all?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I started for the Temple to see my husband. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as will take you up to see the machine.' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "What?" "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This was shining brightly. washing it down with a long draught of water. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Certainly." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "No, I am descending." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have an American origin." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly subject to the trademark license, especially commercial night.' said he. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'What then?' I asked. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "And for present expenses?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter straighten it?" look upon these things in a different way." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I fear not." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong unprofitable." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must humiliation." "On your arm?" was feeling which was the fattest.' had a long day." "Oh, fresh and glossy." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "It is to him that this trophy belongs." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is himself to hunt down. question," said Holmes, smiling. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't hour." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I on re-entering her father's house?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that He broke the seal and glanced over the contents.