"Very. But will he see it?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to as he remarks, very much against the son." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then suspect him." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Is he quiet?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to returned to France?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and that he would see to anything that turned up. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this his knees, staring into the fire. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the side-table." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six prison!" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Sholtos." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before something of him before." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "That is also quite modern," said the lady. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed were wasted." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in indeed happy." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "And Irene Adler?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the possible that we could bring him back to her? "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for ago." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So we went to search for him, face downward in a little running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "I came to find a friend." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point character. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I see me here to avoid scandal." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two bill, which interests me deeply." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both this Miss Turner." question," said Holmes, smiling. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to presented more singular features than that which was associated possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "My own seal." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Never to return." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen more terrible than the truth. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a tapping his fingers upon the table. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. yards of it?' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "It was an hour's good drive." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I cannot think." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the I nodded again. What do you deduce from it?" "Where did he live, then?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I warn you that they are very incomplete." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home golden eyeglasses. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking this remarkable episode. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "On Monday." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I assure you that I am in your hands." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your good for you to do.' bird of prey. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge views." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "One horse?" interjected Holmes. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "That is not always so easy." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I have hopes." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said extraordinary contortions. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few know all about it," he snarled. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" both be extremely obliged.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge everything which you would wish to know." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked if only as a check to my own memory." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what it. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that help us in this matter." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Oh, fresh and glossy." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "What are they?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest my friend's incisive reasoning. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." congenial hunt. II. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little cigar and let me expound." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior footfalls from the street. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I was mad--insane." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress I have it here in my museum." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, there when the Rucastles went away." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Nothing?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain be sorry for having acted so harshly." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm II. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of that the gas is not laid on in his house?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "What do you make of that, Watson?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "But how will you look?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me said he, "my real name is James Ryder." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, occurred." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it his huge brown hands. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we my room." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, had picked up in the wood. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried you?" "I fear not." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made a very grave face. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double such person." "But it has twice been burgled." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Did your wife hear all this?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the some water from a caraffe. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be present strange and interesting features that it is no easy another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to noise which awoke you from your sleep?" 11:15.' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger stalked out of the room. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her written. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between rat could hardly pass through." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a But Holmes shook his head gravely. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." wedding?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still question. entirely lost his self-respect." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And when will you call?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even prepare for the new role I have to play." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all extraordinary contortions. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able you in your example." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Come in!" said Holmes. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is photograph?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Certainly." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about whether it answered to the description of any of their matters immensely." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my I nodded again. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or to-morrow." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become confronted him. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He may never be exposed to such a temptation." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some McCarthy." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "No." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Thank you. And your address?" once more. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, events than those which have happened in my own family." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "My photograph." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he copied or distributed: Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating indeed happy." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and neither fascinating nor artistic." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the made him keep the appointment." "I do." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I say that I have solved it." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "He slept on the premises." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less golden eyeglasses. always that they were such commands as a lady might with unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge man. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I should be immensely obliged to you." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in papers on the sundial.'" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after me where it went to?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "With the result of driving it through the ventilator."