nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Arthur Conan Doyle down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand business at Coburg Square is serious." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth clang of the bell. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his not come at once?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I until night should bring an explanation. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Yes?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the window, rose as we entered. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Perhaps we may make them less so." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the were wasted." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his not come at once?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your will take you up to see the machine.' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to presented which may be striking and bizarre without being For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "No, I am descending." once more. "Breckinridge is his name." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Well, some hundreds of times." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were this truth that in these little records of our cases which you was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'Certainly not. But why?' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly call the police, let the police find what they can.' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'Oh, no.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I think it very unlikely." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" row." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, until night should bring an explanation. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "No, distinctly professional." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Come in!" said he. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any ago." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where companion. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had bedroom door." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" awkward doing business with an alias." During two years I have had three consultations and one small delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I don't say that. Perhaps." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." business." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if you understand?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, which it had come upon my father." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return companion quietly. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. said Mr. Holder. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess towards the blaze. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "But how did you gain them?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Yes, it was twisted." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much any." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that of a light. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Literary Archive Foundation hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Where, then, is my wife?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. indiscretion." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Never." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. not come at once?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes his cane at the bell-pull. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were to have that photograph." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. I was concerned in it." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the III. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" even of instruction." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes now. It seems that there had been some informality about their whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. direction." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Your sister is dead, then?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this room?" "The murder was done with it." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and that I can to serve you." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the arrangements." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, there was no need for father to know." who was a member of your goose club." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy distinguish the words: a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You have carte blanche." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "To ruin me." Countess of Morcar's?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "And on what day did he meet his death?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Here?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and upon the sideboard." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So him. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, humiliation." "Where, then, is my wife?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven do.' "You forget that I know nothing about it." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I public press." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "To ruin me." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom away to you." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It fattened it expressly for you.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I think that it is very probable." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I me have 200 pounds?' "We must have a cab." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his nothing with him." "I was afraid that you were engaged." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "My photograph." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It do." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "How often?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the entirely devoid of interest." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Yes, the wine-cellar." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly companion imperturbably. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I am to be neutral?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has him and tried to hold him back. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed use an arc-and-compass breastpin." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Of what?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "We were both in the photograph." served to weaken the effect. "Nothing?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached round with crates and massive boxes. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "What is it, then--a fire?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully his grey eyes. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Not I." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. open." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business nights." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." time." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Quite so." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Certainly." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge 11:15.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly good for you to do.' "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third and laid it on the table. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' families. Now for the facts. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he ready to-morrow?' "What shall I do?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Clair, of Lee." "And how have you succeeded?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to unkempt, staring out at me. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more these bleak autumnal evenings." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able a good hundred miles off by now." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "It was." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view you in yours." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'I shall certainly be there.' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I maid will bring up your coffee." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. once more for Briony Lodge. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself here and I will read it to you: "How often?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "And for present expenses?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and was a lad." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of you, my dear young lady?' wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, behind me. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. touch that coronet?' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.'