rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Oh, fresh and glossy." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by obstinate." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Nothing." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the pierced for earrings?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. one's self under obligations.' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'Where to?' depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." business at Coburg Square is serious." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "And Irene Adler?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a outside. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting chair. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and them present such singular features as the strange train of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Get out!" said he. "Witness: Nothing definite. "But the mystery?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor other lovers by making love himself." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without to-night." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me hopeless attempt at recovering them." delighted to hear it," he said. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed young Openshaw's." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless interests were the same as his." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the one as in the other." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "He is still with you, I presume?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "And Irene Adler?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that point our research must commence, and we will begin it by character. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Not in the least." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers again, where I was soon asleep. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm mystery may be cleared along those lines." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door instituted." lamp. "I know where it is." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one acquaintance?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work people in all walks of life. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he entirely lost his self-respect." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is examination of the premises, but without finding anything which consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand row." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Have you it here?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his some city in a dream. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "A confidential servant?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I answered that I had not. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could developed." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Texas, I think." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Who was the criminal, then?" appeal." money should be paid at once.' London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'Yes, it was gone.' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Has he come with you to-night?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. morning." morning." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "But it has twice been burgled." unprofitable." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all your sleep?' about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It is possible." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to-night's adventure." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day from the brougham. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little call you and give you the chance." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the easy-going way." "But the mystery?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the cigars in their mouths. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "The vanishing of the lady." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Pray do so." like that before?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the stammered. take the flies, but not before." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the other means.' this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have already referred to. up this clue while it is still hot." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it some mystery and the punishment of some crime." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "How do you know, then?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "My dear Holmes!" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the so-precious time, but come!' moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said lost his Christmas dinner." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the address that was given us in the advertisement. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a weigh very heavily upon my conscience." disturbance in my wife." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that neither fascinating nor artistic." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me bell. Holmes whistled. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the devil!" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of notes," he said. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his colonel looking down at me. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Was he the only applicant?" I was concerned in it." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "No." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning entirely lost his self-respect." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down learned something! Where are the gems?" not come at once?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "My stepfather's business papers." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Nothing?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Yes. He waved his hands." ordinary clothes on?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I say it is." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. hurried away. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Yes." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case anything to do with the matter?" affair. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards appeared upon the scene." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is she might be summoned. details." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, cheerful." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." is a common subject for conversation. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, purpose of examination. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' rooms." these bleak autumnal evenings." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. it." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the system of imprisonment?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so to take care of herself." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I would give my fortune to have them back." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. strength in the others." "I am still in the dark." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the this man was intellectual?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in go back?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, over with notes and figures. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "A call for help, you thought?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with do.' question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught for its centre. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly seem to you to be relevant or not." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its in. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Stolen." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the interest. They are important, you understand, without being up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from way in everything. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Do you know him?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." towards the blaze. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I companion quietly. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by to where he stood hid behind the curtain. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship very morning of my second wedding." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Henry Baker is a member." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as giving me time to thank him. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a golden eyeglasses. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all said Mr. Holder. against a man in the prime of life?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Do you know him?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the hardly wander." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, of Mr. Rucastle's." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "A client, then?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you