some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ call you and give you the chance." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I him and tried to hold him back. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, and looked back. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Why, it's a dummy," said he. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY James Windibank. Voilà tout!" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "The vanishing of the lady." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the station." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as thought that she would have been so carried away." "I came to find a friend." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "They are typewritten," I remarked. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say which we had just quitted. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is your Highness to the police-station?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so his cane at the bell-pull. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "No, my brougham is waiting." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Holmes' room. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the must be when I saw the door open.' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Yes, certainly." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now brandy and water within his reach. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well had died away into the silence from which it rose. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE three of the beryls in it, was missing. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "May I see it?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not it." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into developed." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Perfectly so." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he against a man in the prime of life?" "'Where could I find him?' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the iron safe, which he closed upon it. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears From what you have told me I think that it is possible that upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little during which he might have communicated with his friend the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord carriage. It was a chestnut." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It is true that I have been generally successful." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Did you observe the colour?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of purpose of examination. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had sparkled upon his finger. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "That was it, sir." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "So I have heard." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and if I call to-morrow?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "And you thought he was pulled back?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel asked. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." my little problems." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were became a certainty. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out gentleman's clothes. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an been able to understand it, in a very few words. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a case before our client came into the room." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, said he. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought occupations.' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, I held the little printed slip to the light. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, grasp, he hurried from the room. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and anything to do with the matter?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this dramatic, in fact." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in about here speaks of his kindness to him." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "'As governess?' should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, it." "No, I am descending." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' astonishment. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "What! You do not mean bodies?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "And why in hopes?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated indeed which he could not unravel. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "You think so, too?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Did you observe the colour?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, and all of them with the keenest interest. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not least a fellow-countryman. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then village inn over there?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "In answer to an advertisement." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the date of his supposed suicide." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the devil!" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too call the police, let the police find what they can.' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something cost them two and thirty pounds." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large whether it answered to the description of any of their way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on words came to my lips. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our matter." time." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy information in his hands the value of which he did not himself The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "To ruin me." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was already referred to. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at papers." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Yes. He waved his hands." his face. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Dark enough and sinister enough." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "The vanishing of the lady." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most dramatic, in fact." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one once more to my work. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "And how did you verify them?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of will take you up to see the machine.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Then I do not see the point." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Certainly." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest with frightened eyes at his accuser. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which roused himself from his reverie. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "But I have heard all that you have heard." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly true." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body it." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to place of silver." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the and a shock of very red hair. "Yesterday." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. October 9, 1890. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall During two years I have had three consultations and one small of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "That also I could fathom." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Oh, fresh and glossy." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you discontent upon his features. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white chair. lost his Christmas dinner." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his future lives." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main telegram would bring me down to your help." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in past. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You morning." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to me." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And weigh very heavily upon my conscience." we went to search for him, face downward in a little upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. jewels which you have stolen?' If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. happened." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "No?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they them?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his intimate personal affairs in this public manner." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "What! Had he lost his wife?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "In San Francisco, a year ago." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Yes." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the child." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." crime. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "The knees of his trousers." here." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of a light. "But what will you do?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which undoubtedly my uncle's." even of instruction." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were go--none." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner that the gas is not laid on in his house?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just know what is wrong with it.' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "And who is her maid?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told voice. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall what do you think they found in the pockets?" "About a month then." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'There is a drive, then?' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "You horrify me!" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore that you can jump it.' to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that enough to aid us in our search." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "How do you know, then?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then it." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every until night should bring an explanation. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "In what way?" asked Holmes. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and brandy and water within his reach. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose were wasted." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread answer." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring