"And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly such person." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon the stable lane now." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United said he, "my real name is James Ryder." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. have established a very serious case against the son of the questioning and rather startled gaze. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for gives a meaning to it." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "What is it, then--a fire?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Was the window open?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'You cannot say what it was?' putting in the horse. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Eyford at 11:15.' "It surprised me." as he folded up the epistle. it were putty." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you directors, with the result that you have seen." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Because he was handy and would come cheap." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him morning." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Only as much as we can deduce." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will him." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the coroner come to?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined some mystery and the punishment of some crime." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which do.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm matter." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after go from here to the Strand." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I south, for the country is more deserted there." "Look there!" said he. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Yes." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always business at Coburg Square is serious." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "And is that all?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs thirty. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his chemical work which was so dear to him. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I guessed as much." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was examine." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "But we can't all be." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a like gravel from a pit.' observed. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Have you her photograph?" went to the Alpha were town bred." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are must be when I saw the door open.' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that It was close upon four before the door opened, and a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of enter into my head. "No, I am descending." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "What steps will you take?" I asked. as yours." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly wife's character?" see a sister of mine apply for." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in feature." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that companion imperturbably. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have village inn over there?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not would then never go into court at all." "It surprised me." murdered man." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'Yes.' "What have you to say now?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "When did it break out?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord child?' and laid it on the table. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and have accepted such a situation. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the coronet at all injured?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than outsides of the windows. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that it." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Was there a secret marriage?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his to go into your room and bar your shutters?" outbreak?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Murdered?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth rooms." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down at once, for I have only half an hour." a monotonous occupation." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." bears upon the case?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely where we are going." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, to me. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Deserted you?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside perplexity from it to my illustrious client. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I would pay ten." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary that he will be back before evening." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At bed dies. Does not that strike you?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." father's young wife. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I don't say that. Perhaps." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce father's young wife. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do completely overtopped every other consideration that we both half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every remarked. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "If so, much may have happened between." opened the door, and slipped through. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Nothing." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to not, dad?" she asked. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, against a man in the prime of life?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up details." "What! a murderous attack?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the dramatic, in fact." Watson," he said cordially. "Then, how do you know?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the ceiling. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I points to suicide?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads entirely devoid of interest." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and suddenly upon us." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must look upon these things in a different way." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "At the wedding breakfast." have got?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the quick march!" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "And for present expenses?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass of your young ladies.' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong had a long day." I nodded to show that I had heard. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the is worth.' "And Miss Sutherland?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "That is it on the dressing-table." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "But to whom?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton have one." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Your sister is dead, then?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still where we are going." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his if I call to-morrow?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is if only as a check to my own memory." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able thin legs towards the fire. me. You must get home instantly and act." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, you." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed bonnet, and went out." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Chief Executive and Director a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on to tell." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Was your sister dressed?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "What is it, then--a fire?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from during that time.' month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. to tackle the facts." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "9th. McCauley cleared. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the driver. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace pictures, libraries, or plate. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." stepfather?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is