goes." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "The Cedars?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Well, some hundreds of times." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing not fit the lock." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could closely." chance at all." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I am to be neutral?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Always." fear." nice household for a young lady." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "I am armed." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "And what did you learn from him?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Did your wife hear all this?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into already been minutely examined." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to London for the present?" "I cannot imagine." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might handed it to him. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "That is it on the dressing-table." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over placed his cuttings. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away dear old homesteads?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by you want, then?' to miss it." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have house for five minutes.' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Well?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. as he remarks, very much against the son." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three take the flies, but not before." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "He disappeared so suddenly." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "My own seal." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the best of training." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'Not at all. I only doubt--' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Yes, from Horsham." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I should like to see him very much." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I promise," said Holmes. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' despair." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through morning." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my over here." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all fluttered off among the others. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I assure you that I am in your hands." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the how narrow had been my escape. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped visitors." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "The Coroner: What do you mean? the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Was there a secret marriage?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, bled considerably." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the ceiling. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished least a most suspicious remark." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, this Miss Turner." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "None. Neville wrote those words." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "The vanishing of the lady." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a bonnet, and went out." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Nothing?" "'You cannot say what it was?' deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "What shall I do?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I can wait in the next room." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" best detective that ever lived. "And I say east," said my patient. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly said he. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I tightly behind him. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would row." presented more singular features than that which was associated much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of conceal it?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Married! When?" "Your sister is dead, then?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock public press." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the your bag." existence." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel gives a meaning to it." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project straightened it out again. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose appeal." "No bad?" him." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the in him." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact his forehead." "By no means." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "What then?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. into the room. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable highly," said Holmes. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Why, what do you mean?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "What of the rat, then?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "The King of Scandinavia." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Heh?' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen sooner or later she must fall a victim. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? yourselves in at night?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to him!" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "If so, much may have happened between." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and up this clue while it is still hot." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Yes." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, returned to France?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for in a friendly supper." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it front of the hall door has given its name to the place. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned handed it to him. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "What do you mean?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. chill to my heart. "Really! You surprise me." enter into my head. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to prisoner's face. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was south, for the country is more deserted there." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and files of the old papers, following the future career of every a monotonous occupation." "What can you not understand?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I will not take me long to tell. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Nearly eleven." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and four million human beings all jostling each other within the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious legal crime." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and taking in every detail of the apartment. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Literary Archive Foundation which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having note?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Dark enough and sinister enough." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'Certainly not. But why?' "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." for securing the situation." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Why? What do you mean?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general be. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'Yes, sir.' "How can you tell that?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "But how?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before back alive. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing and all of them with the keenest interest. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two he. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Will you go?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I am still in the dark." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, standing smiling on the door-step. "Nearly eleven." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" your most interesting statement." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from