"By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'And what are they worth?' I asked. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and emerged. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I should like to see him very much." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the congratulate you again." been able to understand it, in a very few words. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such forehead. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally direction." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined someone who had been in Australia." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the populous neighbourhood." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'As governess?' myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Yes." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "There are none." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "How did you trace it, then?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "But you were on a friendly footing?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "You are all wrong." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so but preventing her from injuring another. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the case before our client came into the room." carpenter." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came I took the paper from him and read as follows: "That's no good." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "He might." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "But you can know nothing of this?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me and it need not interfere very much with one's other receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to straighten it?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "On the contrary, this is the right side." in this way: "Dirty?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near laugh and put his lips to my ear. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Sutherland. are windows in it, of course?" the coronet at all injured?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You do." which was all perfectly true. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that his cane at the bell-pull. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away of the efforts of the United States government and of the better unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "But the mystery?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We there!' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The south, for the country is more deserted there." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked populous neighbourhood." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I little trying to do so much typewriting?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers question," said Holmes, smiling. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us clang of the bell. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed get the tickets." photograph?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling in a very precise fashion." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I never have." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, as noiselessly as she had come. overpowering excitement and concern. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was me what he had done with the three missing stones. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Look there!" said he. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very III. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "What do you mean?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly there when the Rucastles went away." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to lips." I held the little printed slip to the light. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I will try. What is it?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months congratulate you again." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter tear off another piece?' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son breakfast and whispered something to her husband. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At was feeling which was the fattest.' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as rose-bushes. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' made him keep the appointment." his huge brown hands. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent a little more before I quite committed myself. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'How far from the body?' "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows dear old homesteads?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's were new raised from a basin. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My go--none." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his yourselves in at night?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Oh, yes, easily." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just client, rising. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Which surely he restored to their owner?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a my former friend and companion. congratulate you again." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "What do you mean?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have this unhappy family?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Ample." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Not social, then?" outside. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. upon the shelf for the interim." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very speckled band?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "You horrify me." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the with you?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "And it is--" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Yes, it was twisted." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "And why?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as villagers almost as much as their master. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on what I may call a really hard day's work." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is later, upon the night of May 2nd." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow was the fact that his father should, according to his account, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works could not account in any way for the presence of the missing stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "It was." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her both be extremely obliged.' here." pictures, libraries, or plate. seem to you to be relevant or not." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning business matters.' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at late!' "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I leaning back in his chair. tell him that I know him to be innocent." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Did you become engaged then?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are spare." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I direction." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, not as remarkable as your advertisement." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more whether it answered to the description of any of their chair. that you can jump it.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Did you become engaged then?" "I see many objections to any such theory." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a relief. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "None. Neville wrote those words." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Did he not advertise?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an made him keep the appointment." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of that threaten you." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was presented more singular features than that which was associated "And I say east," said my patient. this poor creature." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he this unhappy family?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "'Is 4 pounds a week.' takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was IS alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the better in every way that they should make their position a little Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was the bed, and you in that chair." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he ourselves in the office." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Was there a secret marriage?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "And Irene Adler?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your room had already been engaged for us. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to past. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "And that is--" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Nothing?" "Where, then?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Just look it up, then." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Watson," he said cordially. "Well, but China?" chamber." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I instincts rose up against that laugh. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given you in your example." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a upon an income of about 60 pounds." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Was the window open?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My together. "The murder was done with it." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her You want to know what became of those geese?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against