unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "She told me to ask you." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread of Mr. Rucastle's." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, man. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "And I say east," said my patient. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Miss Holder?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "What can it mean?" I gasped. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that suspect him." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon not as remarkable as your advertisement." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "What can it mean?" I gasped. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a again before evening." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 who was a member of your goose club." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' affection." read over the extraordinary announcement. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "But how did you gain them?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the are, and they are waiting for us." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that ill-usage at the hands of fortune. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'And what salary do you ask?' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Where does the thing come from?' "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled was once confined in the cab my mission was practically quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official pictures, libraries, or plate. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway desk. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several results." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was will he say when he returns?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was to arrive at through this?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be past. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the coronet in his hand?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six dead, shall be safe with us." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." was keenly on my guard against him. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter depend upon your compliance." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in get her out of the way." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'Very good.' heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the stable lane now." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, one which it was hard to resist. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and to a light-house. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind been able to understand it, in a very few words. any." morning." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave this poor creature." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Get out!" said he. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the Assizes." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Again Holmes raved in the air. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, approach us with offers to donate. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain that I can to serve you." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "She showed me, as I told you she would." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since him!" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure suddenly upon us." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, with her." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised strong reason behind." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Has he come with you to-night?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "There is the writing." delirious. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Eyford." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "An accident, I presume?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my matter." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and least a fellow-countryman. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a see a sister of mine apply for." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "You have the photograph?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the instituted." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Clair, of Lee." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and This is what he says: "What are they?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "That is not always so easy." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Yes." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." of." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture answered with a sidelong glance. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there not, dad?" she asked. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the you." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Pray let us have it, for all that." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A approach us with offers to donate. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Not particularly." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, his face. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the fattened it expressly for you.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of who was a member of your goose club." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when you." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." fashion which was peculiar to him. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "No. His orders were to stay in the house." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention window when the police appeared." indeed happy." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into best detective that ever lived. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the coronet at all injured?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I am all attention, madam." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get weary and pale-looking. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes, but only for you and me." handed it to him. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. there in twenty minutes." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the residence of the great financier. "'Is purely nominal.' up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave should be taken.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past train from Paddington which would bring you there at about after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "And help." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the ashen face. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? searched, without anything being found which could incriminate o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "And it is--" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this business." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my my former friend and companion. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Well, some hundreds of times." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I am sure." have established a very serious case against the son of the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to an introduction to him?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my answered with a sidelong glance. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I an introduction to him?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'A dozen yards or so.' name is different." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be opened a pocket-book and took out a note. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the strength in the others." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that returned to France?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, little adventures." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "At what time?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "I see no marks." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and to-night?" I asked. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting signal between you and your father? weapon." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his society." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your salesman. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "What then?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. you." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and wait." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "What?" confronted him. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "I never have." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, all that?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Yes." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" there has been an enclosure here!" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. returned to France?" assist you in forming an opinion." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and inquire as to the address." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet shaken than I had ever seen him. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her she might be summoned. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the