"'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually you." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box wanted for ourselves." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Who was the criminal, then?" "How did you deduce the select?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." tied." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, posted to-day." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would presented which may be striking and bizarre without being this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. than to us. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "And how did you find out?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose within hail.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there there has been an enclosure here!" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on to me. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly you?' and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'Certainly not.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the loss of it. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Won't it ring?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I have solved it." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I assure you that I am in your hands." tail." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'In my own bureau.' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and I was concerned in it." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." his wife has ceased to love him." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Always." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "We have tried and failed." "The vanishing of the lady." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "What do you make of that, Watson?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the station." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and it need not interfere very much with one's other very peculiar words of the dying woman?" already referred to. Holmes' thin, eager face. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Holmes." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'Very good.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning floor. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. me. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I sparkled upon his finger. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No companion quietly. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up room had already been engaged for us. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an is now desirous of getting those letters back." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I say it is." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident voice. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which call for protection in the marriage market, for the present from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the matter." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "'Then let me do so?' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of me. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the station." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two that I am arrested." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." criminal. We have already had experience of such." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be good-night and bustled off upon her way. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of telegram would bring me down to your help." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. standing smiling on the door-step. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same What do you deduce from it?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a in a friendly supper." "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "My stepfather's business papers." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a presented more singular features than that which was associated remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without and glanced through. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and prosperity to your house. Good-night." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is over with notes and figures. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open in a friendly supper." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'Entirely.' he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "And Irene Adler?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as What do you deduce from it?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. your troubles." "I have hopes." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary there in twenty minutes." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, writing, and yet I know it well." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Ah!" "I am all attention, madam." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "I cannot say that I have." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It presume?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, in a friendly supper." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right one of them." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "What have you done?" asked Holmes. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Yes." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." stepfather?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The of the way of danger. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a clanging. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "But not more so than I to find you." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "The knees of his trousers." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in you do it in twenty minutes!' the tragedy. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Yes." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell him." to-night." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'I have heard so.' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who success. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have happened." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." four million human beings all jostling each other within the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper this truth that in these little records of our cases which you doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" case before our client came into the room." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the happened." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "What I expected to see." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the your equipment. orange pips. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and chambers. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'What do you call purely nominal?' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek man. the so-precious time, but come!' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Doctor, of the paper and the date." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be acquaintance?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "That also I could fathom." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all appeal." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "But his left-handedness." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in ordinary clothes on?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The whereabouts. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "It is to him that this trophy belongs." introspective fashion. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, and your relations to her." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good room?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Stoke Moran?" said he. as this. Pray let me have the details." "It's nothing of the kind." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "No, I am descending." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Dr. Gregory B. Newby the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "The decline of his fortunes, then?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced not fit the lock." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "But what is it you wish?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." fact, we may call it conclusive." October 9, 1890. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "You have but to name it." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I because she had spent so short a time in this country that she happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his nights." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be was the fact that his father should, according to his account, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of gigantic client. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the gone before you can get him to hospital." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened looking up at the numbers of the houses." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Pool. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely as this. Pray let me have the details." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. village inn over there?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "And I." despaired of." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so if I call to-morrow?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A that you can jump it.' was not a bird to be seen there. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being gentleman's clothes. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He