his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed fuss that is made over them." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel guilty one." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "No?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at unclasping of his long thin hands. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "And leave your case unfinished?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "In San Francisco, a year ago." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "From his hat?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "'It is locked up,' I answered. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside conclusions. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "My Mary? Impossible!" "'Certainly not. But why?' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when me. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "You have a clue?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons presume?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and again, where I was soon asleep. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the chair. the Red-headed League." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year see a sister of mine apply for." stammered. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you was once confined in the cab my mission was practically examination of the premises, but without finding anything which was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Yes." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Whose house is it?" address. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three read it out to me." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. quickly through a disagreeable task. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "And how did he make his money?" Holmes' room. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a father's place of business?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but throat." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I am to be neutral?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his new duties?' whole matter to your consideration." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. locked." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." young Openshaw's." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "That is it on the dressing-table." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in some terrible trap for her." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another was a perfect sample of the class. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any felt the room to be a little close.' hard-headed British jury." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, over with notes and figures. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "When did she vanish, then?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and have this put in the evening papers." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of acted in my house last night?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and over his head with a sweet womanly caress. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Then how many are there?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself if only as a check to my own memory." there!' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think woman who has had her own way to make in the world. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate answered with a sidelong glance. chair. good for you to do.' "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your telegram would bring me down to your help." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Where, then?" that there was nothing in it, after all." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we garden below. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager most interesting one." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party overpowering excitement and concern. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the putting in the horse. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "ARAT," I read. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That introspective fashion. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "The Cedars?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of License. You must require such a user to return or morning." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in other lovers by making love himself." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "My private note-paper." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. get her out of the way." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "'About the same.' head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "His face fell immediately. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "No." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." made his money." "Deserted you?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." you in your example." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "I have a cab outside." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the happened." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the to arrive at through this?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew to-morrow." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "I think that it is very probable." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this something of him before." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you less than 26s. 4d. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such You want to know what became of those geese?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Witness: Nothing definite. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I would pay ten." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Farm upon the left." "I guessed as much." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Yes." weapon." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men outside. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. fat-encircled eyes. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "This photograph!" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "I would pay ten." father's young wife. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I promise," said Holmes. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. when your master had gone out." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'Tell me all about it,' said I. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight morning." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it bird of prey. in a friendly supper." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a it with his own hands." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Holmes, the busybody!" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to a little more before I quite committed myself. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it security.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To too. the bottom.' to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up results." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. that you wished to speak to me?' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Her father is very rich?" "He said too much." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Dirty?" correct than the official force." to Leatherhead. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the noble correspondent could be. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" better in every way that they should make their position a little I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through the house with me." Eyford." "That was it, sir." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come developed." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an will he say when he returns?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the coronet in his hands?" depend upon my doing so.' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be of the way of danger. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The to affect your life." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert politicians who had been sent down from the North. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no and a shock of very red hair. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that I am arrested." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Where is it, then?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a License. You must require such a user to return or and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the such attractions and accomplishments?' the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Was there a secret marriage?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Yesterday." were wasted." "That also I could fathom." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'I am sure that I do not know.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that IS carried out of court." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the side-table." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "My opinion is in no way altered." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, like gravel from a pit.' within hail.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our to go into your room and bar your shutters?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried singular points about the case. What did the police think of the III. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son this remarkable episode. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three you." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Really! You surprise me." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon