the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Serpentine Avenue. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I to-morrow." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well he. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Is he quiet?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, occurred." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have that the gas is not laid on in his house?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I know where it is." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "What!" he roared. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until over with notes and figures. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "A call for help, you thought?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, interest. They are important, you understand, without being "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and shall probably return to London by the evening train." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as not fit the lock." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the morning and make my own way in the world.' down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other manager. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone strode off upon his way. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Certainly." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant come either from the window or the door. My attention was again before evening." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I have seen the police." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that foot. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of case before our client came into the room." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, interested in these little problems, and since you are good "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid orange pips. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Deserted you?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Again Holmes raved in the air. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, ashen face. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Literary Archive Foundation "Yesterday." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." deduce something from that?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, you want, then?' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and highly," said Holmes. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Why? What do you mean?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting before, for it was considerably after midnight. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "She will not sell." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one have been better. It is all right." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and jewels which you have stolen?' It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "It missed him, then?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the from you?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Where does the thing come from?' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed it with his own hands." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'And what salary do you ask?' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "How can you tell that?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And I." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Holmes. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the date of his supposed suicide." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock III. all-comprehensive glances. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the child." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "'You cannot say what it was?' collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an was lame." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the armchair which I pushed forward for him. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. all?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I have been better. It is all right." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge as the one I chose?' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "She showed me, as I told you she would." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Nor running a chance of arrest?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Holmes, the busybody!" "Bought." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the stones. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., stepfather?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life said he. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He points to suicide?" "'Entirely.' in the hope of finding them." photograph?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do call it cruel." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. corner of the building. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I guessed as much." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Yes, certainly." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Eh? What was that?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect me have 200 pounds?' sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that several quiet little villages up there." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the it." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for been deceived." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, them, and came down just as you departed. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I fear not." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction cause to be." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY should be taken.' with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking introspective fashion. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think observed. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "It is a murder, then?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook that threaten you." ways of our fellow-men." "My stepfather's business papers." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, happened." unprecedented a position." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Pool. "Certainly." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Holmes' thin, eager face. once more for Briony Lodge. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the to you." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Sholtos." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "How can you tell that?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as fattened it expressly for you.' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" rose-bushes. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, guilty parties." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before bird I ate is country bred." there is a decided draught." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the inner apartment." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Was there a secret marriage?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "How did you deduce the select?" true." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A them, and came down just as you departed. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to writer." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign guilty parties." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "He disappeared so suddenly." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a helping a boy to put up the shutters. figure." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned morning." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of way in." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an words came to my lips. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled our word." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Did you observe the colour?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "The rest you will leave in our hands." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "But of what society?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it sooner or later she must fall a victim. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while of this gang." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman keep the flames under. legal crime." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that get her out of the way." "I cannot imagine." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do you, my dear young lady?' nothing with him." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "And how have you succeeded?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the everything which you would wish to know." "Of what day?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, had picked up in the wood. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "So I heard. You have him here?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. III. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the tail." His name is Francis Prosper." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very newspaper selections." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name here." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird my former friend and companion. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying