"It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have been able to understand it, in a very few words. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Always." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. page at http://pglaf.org rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. into the room. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been will find little credit to be gained out of this case." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "It is a murder, then?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "One?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I such attractions and accomplishments?' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "No. His orders were to stay in the house." drove away. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any putting in the horse. go--none." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly in his power. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Frequently." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. during that time.' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "I should wish to." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an we went to search for him, face downward in a little glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He guilty parties." call the police, let the police find what they can.' man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his in his hands." "But your client--" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue read over the extraordinary announcement. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the would then never go into court at all." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off drove away. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from to talk it over. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Clair, of Lee." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark should be taken.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to to-night." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I promise," said Holmes. chill to my heart. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no absorbing." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on presented which may be striking and bizarre without being his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Yes, all." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' time." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help have got?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always late!' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'Certainly,' I answered. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "You think that he is dead?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "In heaven's name, what for?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "One of his hands." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you in the hope of finding them." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' presented more singular features than that which was associated "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I will get her to show me." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, What do you deduce from it?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Then the page we have seen--" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "But you have hopes?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'Why that?' I asks. think that he is innocent?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, she might be summoned. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the wife's character?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life fat-encircled eyes. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's individual and becomes the badge of a society." "That was it, sir." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" you, my dear young lady?' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should companion. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and outside." "I will do it." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into him. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Perhaps I have." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their tell him that I know him to be innocent." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. will not take me long to tell. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, up this clue while it is still hot." "Entirely." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. brandy and water within his reach. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from you do it in twenty minutes!' "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. his grey eyes. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and no precautions can guard against." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we you." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and evidence," I remarked. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive your equipment. upon the shelf for the interim." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman with frightened eyes at his accuser. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." must compliment you." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with your troubles." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the with some details as to your case." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her imbecility!" he cried. gone before you can get him to hospital." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "You saw the ventilator, too?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. putting in the horse. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. investigation." towards the blaze. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the companion. developed." invisible to me," I remarked. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Frequently." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, within hail.' "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry them?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It is very clear." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "ARAT," I read. maiden herself was most instructive." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Lee, in the county of Kent." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Where does the thing come from?' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my outbreak?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "You are all wrong." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where only touch the interest." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Certainly." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she rose-bushes. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Seven!" I answered. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the salesman. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Ten will be early enough." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that learned something! Where are the gems?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three is now desirous of getting those letters back." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has guilty parties." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Oh, no.' ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Yes." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "But how will you look?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the stable lane now." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one detained." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked guilty parties." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a was lame." "Witness: It was. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "But how?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "'Never,' said I. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out sentimental considerations in the background which would induce of." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in do you make of it all?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Yes, the wine-cellar." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen into her hand at the door and which lured her within their January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could cheerful." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my national property. I was determined that the law should have its drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that that?' before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," system of imprisonment?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was said he at last. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "One horse?" interjected Holmes. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped very peculiar words of the dying woman?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded way in everything. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran said he, "my real name is James Ryder." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary there!' "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped writers could invent nothing more crude." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an