the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than business?" "Do you know him?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a was it brought him the coronet? wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of have established a very serious case against the son of the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Perhaps I have." is so. I know all about McCarthy." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. him!" voice, changing her seat as requested. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "You horrify me!" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Very much so." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "What! Had he lost his wife?" of." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "But your client--" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Was the window open?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Imitated." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always not fit the lock." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was brought there to personate someone, and the real person is we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." wedding?" hand, madam?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for shadow pass over his face as I spoke. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that your troubles." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I said he at last. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. charged with?" Sutherland. "I shall be delighted." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "And from a noble client?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Does that suggest anything?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." his fortune, and I went back to pa. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Certainly, madam." "'Where to?' passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." appointment with me for six o'clock?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my one else, I think." correct than the official force." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." he died? web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "How long did she speak to this Alice?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. away into the river." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And how have you succeeded?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I think that it is very probable." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Then the page we have seen--" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had I nodded again. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "And how in the world did you find them?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, me what he had done with the three missing stones. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, long narrative. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" purpose equally well?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting any little problem which you may submit to me." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Surrey." meant." "How did he come?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" there is a decided draught." of your young ladies.' breakfast?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and province." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows to some other building. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'And the work?' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to 1.E.9. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "How are you getting on?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose again." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of had a long day." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "10th. John Swain cleared. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady particular state visit http://pglaf.org "It is half-past ten now." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I the address that was given us in the advertisement. gbnewby@pglaf.org "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "It is true that I have been generally successful." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR row." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Was she in good spirits?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the Assizes." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off could gather together that I was able to avert another public comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Perhaps we may make them less so." vault. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She danger is over." but preventing her from injuring another. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then use an arc-and-compass breastpin." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall The summons was a brief and urgent one. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was was a lad." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his was feeling which was the fattest.' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I am still in the dark." Holmes rather sternly. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or existence." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London ceremony." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the been with you?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Precisely so. But how--" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Your presence might be invaluable." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove with you alone." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "But how will you look?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to breakfast." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Can I be of assistance?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our that before taking the final step I should like to submit the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "But you can know nothing of this?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. know all about it," he snarled. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my License. You must require such a user to return or interests were the same as his." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "My Mary? Impossible!" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "No sign of it?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You must compliment you." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical outsides of the windows. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "But not more so than I to find you." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, jewels which you have stolen?' security.' rooms." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "But what is it you wish?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. there in twenty minutes." me have 200 pounds?' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, derbies." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Yes." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My heavily into it. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention begin with, and I had not got mine yet." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "You horrify me!" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and heavily into it. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, good for you to do.' If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the always that they were such commands as a lady might with say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I system of imprisonment?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or most important business. It is probable that he will be away all whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been The summons was a brief and urgent one. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried strong reason behind." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "About a month then." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "At the wedding breakfast." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four tail." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'Very good.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" maiden herself was most instructive." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it,