the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best not personally threatened." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the best of training." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those next day. "Nothing." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though go--none." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Won't it ring?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "I do." against a man in the prime of life?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Cross for the Continent." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same are, and they are waiting for us." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. crackling voice. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a dates and names. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "I shall most certainly do so." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. gone. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. The events in question occurred in the early days of my lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you pressing in one house as in another. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take union?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the over part of the map. "What do you read?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I have solved it." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." new duties?' acquaintance?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "It is a murder, then?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more hereditary King of Bohemia." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back conduct the inquiry." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Will you go?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I cannot as yet see any connection." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away annoyance, but no jest. "His face fell immediately. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the papers." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Very good.' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she lids now and glanced across at his visitor. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such there in twenty minutes." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. writer." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "But of what society?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "By no means." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of anything to a woman, for she would have her way." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all never will be, entirely cleared up. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered enter Dr. Roylott's room." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "An accident, I presume?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "And why in hopes?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the always that they were such commands as a lady might with out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "There is the writing." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." not personally threatened." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting less than 26s. 4d. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It persecution?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "But how did you gain them?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital client, rising. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security believe that I should never have any practice at all. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower possible that we could bring him back to her? "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper success. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "My opinion is in no way altered." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the quick march!" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I was afraid that you were engaged." promised to bring home. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Ha! you find it so?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty you understand?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as you?' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back rat could hardly pass through." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a union?" heavily into it. wife's character?" "Not I." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I should like to see him very much." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." point in the dark hollow of his hand. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "And Miss Sutherland?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was fluttered off among the others. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Game for a morning drive?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. of your young ladies.' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Yes." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said James Windibank. Voilà tout!" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of investigation." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and your relations to her." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Yes." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this over here." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a acted in my house last night?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. upon a handsome competence. "What is it?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Cross for the Continent." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" strength in the others." "And on what day did he meet his death?" the tragedy. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "What is it?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Not social, then?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out McCarthy's innocence. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand criminal. We have already had experience of such." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper Doctor, of the paper and the date." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' not fit the lock." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." your billet.' "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his call the police, let the police find what they can.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number your billet.' as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Was your sister dressed?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, written. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning get her out of the way." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, papers." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as did not hear it also.' dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "But we can't all be." following enigmatical notices: "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. himself in a perplexing position. assist you in forming an opinion." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from over his head with a sweet womanly caress. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "No, distinctly professional." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Never." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting that I may have something better before very many minutes are twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. London for the present?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Proceed, then." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, interest. They are important, you understand, without being value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell this unhappy family?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I see no marks." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" himself to hunt down. "No, finished." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" during that time.' time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this success. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Perhaps we may make them less so." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able morning." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute you, my dear young lady?' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "You horrify me." morning." of his shoulders. "None." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when generous with you in money matters.' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "But what harm can there be in that?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Nothing." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. may never be exposed to such a temptation." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Witness: I must still refuse. "Come in!" said Holmes. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, notes," he said. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a