"'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "And I." "To the police?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Why did you beat the pavement?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you one which it was hard to resist. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the him. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "VIOLET HUNTER." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Pray do so." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will is four-and-twenty." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," works. See paragraph 1.E below. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been unprofitable." "But we can't all be." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over pictures, libraries, or plate. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'A dozen yards or so.' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of indeed happy." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock very old mansion. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "To an end?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I do." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced again before evening." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the prison!" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Doctor, of the paper and the date." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great to me. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Murdered?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and looking up at the numbers of the houses." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the you for a few hours?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to in him." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds I took the paper from him and read as follows: assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this murdered man." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "And now?" He raised his hand. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she papers on the sundial.'" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we long narrative. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "And why?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very said he. "Not in the least." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End allusion to a rat. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other do.' Where does the thing come from?' and your relations to her." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders to have been novel and of interest." II. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Sholtos." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? your billet.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove drawing your inferences." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Have you her photograph?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and I shall be with you presently." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to fatally injured? As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." read over the extraordinary announcement. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the stones. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I would pay ten." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. less than 26s. 4d. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that you saw all that I did." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious recover the gem." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the running down." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was once more for Briony Lodge. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "You will not go there first?" "Precisely." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He face and glided from the room. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Very murderous indeed." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which writing, and yet I know it well." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Very. But will he see it?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "We have tried and failed." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from redistribution. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'Never,' said I. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. beyond words. went to the Alpha were town bred." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "No." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was instincts rose up against that laugh. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. chance at all." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Oh, fresh and glossy." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "It's nothing of the kind." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I see many objections to any such theory." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in His smile broadened. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not recall any case within my experience which looked at the first of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Come in!" said he. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your tension within him. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "But he might be a bachelor." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "What shall I do?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. himself in a perplexing position. fact, we may call it conclusive." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little of receipt of the work. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted guilty parties." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out only touch the interest." "Really! You surprise me." rose-bushes. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Very. But will he see it?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" made his money." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the annoyance, but no jest. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "I don't believe it." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you 11:15.' agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you when you have done it." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is means taking possession of that which another person has a prior anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Deserted you?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." lips." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, empty. "It is very kind of you." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "But how?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole hardly wander." derbies." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon distinguish the words: go back?" "And why in hopes?" "Why, what do you mean?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Really! You surprise me." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "I was mad--insane." way in everything. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, business." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'Never,' said I. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" vanished into the darkness. wedding?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Street. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, go--none." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do present." "Of what day?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he could not have written that. It is the German who is so down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously some city in a dream. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for bearing upon the case." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'I am sure that I do not know.' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some bled considerably." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." constraint." assist you in forming an opinion." we went to search for him, face downward in a little compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "And now?" He raised his hand. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "How did he come?" "Not yet." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert highly," said Holmes. bearing upon the case." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All three of the beryls in it, was missing. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" very morning of my second wedding." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "None." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Dr. Becher's." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their there." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things maiden herself was most instructive." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Sutherland?" this man was intellectual?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I cannot say that I have." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid if she died from some sudden fright." "Always." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "At half-wages, in fact." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it that before taking the final step I should like to submit the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my there were one or two details which were new to me. But the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "A client, then?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his 1.F. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a I. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the you in yours." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. matter." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been