without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Have you good authority for what you say?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and chance at all." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'What then?' I asked. as noiselessly as she had come. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked go--none." long narrative. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "And Miss Sutherland?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would correct than the official force." bachelor.' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the matter." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "You will not go there first?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "And now?" He raised his hand. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the stones. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Of what?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked hurried by. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "9th. McCauley cleared. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "How did you trace it, then?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John hereditary King of Bohemia." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he murdered man." is a common subject for conversation. "'In my own bureau.' "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are silent! Oh, he will be silent!' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor that you saw all that I did." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Yes, all." examine." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the indeed happy." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Yes, he did." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his DAMAGE. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he rooms." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his threw himself down with his face to the pillow. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "And what did you see?" to miss it." "I say that I have solved it." presume?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Yes." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the bottom.' revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client room had already been engaged for us. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their outsides of the windows. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Your presence might be invaluable." certainly do as you advise." out of this horrible affair." Pope's Court. meant it for the best. individual and becomes the badge of a society." over with notes and figures. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no strength of mind to control. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "And now?" I asked. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival emerged. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation companion quietly. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have to change my dress. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the driver. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the second window is the one that I jumped from." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. went to the Alpha were town bred." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to o'clock is it?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "My dear Holmes!" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Was she in good spirits?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was figure." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "No bad?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the works. See paragraph 1.E below. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. memory. the tragedy. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I cannot imagine." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "An accident, I presume?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Pray be precise as to details," said he. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness but preventing her from injuring another. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Have you it here?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, him!" be sorry for having acted so harshly." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but chance at all." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. depend upon my doing so.' suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "His face fell immediately. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end examine." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Where, then, is my wife?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Have you it here?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "What!" he roared. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Then I can wait in the next room." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the devil!" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss to have that photograph." south, for the country is more deserted there." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, became a certainty. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, client, rising. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship character. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. case-book, which he consulted. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself of the vacancies.' transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "What! Had he lost his wife?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the until night should bring an explanation. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United manager. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and noise which awoke you from your sleep?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a your Highness to the police-station?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most sparkled upon his finger. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Mrs. Toller serenely. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was 1.F. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' official police." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "What is it, then--a fire?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "It surprised me." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very to miss it." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, pierced for earrings?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "You horrify me!" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police papers must be those that are destroyed.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the few hundred pounds.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as have established a very serious case against the son of the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and is four-and-twenty." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "No, my brougham is waiting." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." matter." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE never came back." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate I think that I could be of assistance to you." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Have you her photograph?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate ways including including checks, online payments and credit card in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to side. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in highroad, where all traces were lost. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the to have been novel and of interest." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it giving me time to thank him. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. it." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "But you have hopes?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Yes?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little will be renamed. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "No?" "'Which dealer's?' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "My opinion is in no way altered." is four-and-twenty." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "And the murderer?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "No, I am descending." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'What do you call purely nominal?' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "And the cigar-holder?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.'