beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the inner apartment." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "And why?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was closely." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend his cane at the bell-pull. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Ha! you find it so?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to he died? you, my dear young lady?' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I am armed." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "I am sure." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "This photograph!" "You horrify me!" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. empty. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "What steps will you take?" I asked. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your arrangements." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, bears upon the case?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I am in hopes that she does." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. his cane at the bell-pull. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought back alive. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Holmes, the busybody!" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE allusion to a rat. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "He is still with you, I presume?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Yes, but only for you and me." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings might have a private word with us. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Dr. Gregory B. Newby heavily into it. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Yes, at the mines." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business front of me. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "But it has twice been burgled." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither electronic works who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he disappearance of these gems?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & once more on the important position which you have been fortunate be. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I was mad--insane." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'No, I know no one in these parts.' one else, I think." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we said Mr. Holder. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Have you good authority for what you say?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "'Where could I find him?' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our in his power. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to someone who had been in Australia." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is at my remark. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" maid will bring up your coffee." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "What will you do, then?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Oh, yes, easily." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle your troubles." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "That sounds a little paradoxical." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to in his hands." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "One horse?" interjected Holmes. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what invisible to me," I remarked. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "What?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and miles off. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he man. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot information in his hands the value of which he did not himself society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a south, for the country is more deserted there." the bed, and you in that chair." Have you good authority for what you say?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous towards the blaze. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his photograph?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting whether it answered to the description of any of their copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "About a month then." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear telegram would bring me down to your help." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, may never be exposed to such a temptation." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Which surely he restored to their owner?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was there when the Rucastles went away." Munro.' "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Does that suggest anything?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, young Openshaw's." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "You have compromised yourself seriously." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an room?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that his face. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously papers." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak sparkled upon his finger. Count Von Kramm." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a were wasted." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. away into the river." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted o'clock is it?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "The murder was done with it." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." one of the states of the Union." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he quite distinctive." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Count Von Kramm." beg that you will break it off." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped have established a very serious case against the son of the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come go from here to the Strand." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Her father is very rich?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that he will be back before evening." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a past. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where business matters.' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "And now?" I asked. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. where she found matters as described by the last witness. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I am still in the dark." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Very. But will he see it?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "I came to find a friend." it." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was copied or distributed: as he folded up the epistle. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "So I am. Very much so." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen whereabouts. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I see many objections to any such theory." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I am about to be married." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow tightly behind him. weary and pale-looking. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the one as in the other." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had wanted for ourselves." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to enough to aid us in our search." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Yes, from Horsham." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside do.' the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he is worth.' return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her never to learn it at all." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Street. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and direction." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "No, I had a dozen." do." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. just ask you whether you had heard it.' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite words came to my lips. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "You are all wrong." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my knowledge of the world." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, me upon any point which I do not make clear." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "To an English lawyer named Norton." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? beg that you will break it off." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Of Friday, June 19th." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "At what time?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 she might be summoned. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Will you go?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." answered with a sidelong glance. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Who was the criminal, then?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I cannot imagine." morning." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost official police." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the wanted for ourselves." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property whatever might befall. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and