upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a breakfast." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. your billet.' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "No, I think that I'll take it." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Not I." generous with you in money matters.' one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the know what is wrong with it.' circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Where to?' think you a quite exceptional woman." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Did you observe the colour?" following enigmatical notices: railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your that there was nothing in it, after all." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in furiously. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "An accident, I presume?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this forecastle of an emigrant ship. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I do." sake, don't!" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out answered with a sidelong glance. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, presume?" 1.E.9. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his a very grave face. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and to that open window." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the green of the new foliage. rose-bushes. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "'What, the red-headed man?' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "In answer to an advertisement." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. giving me time to thank him. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were indeed which he could not unravel. the night.' "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Then how many are there?" "No, distinctly professional." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Countess of Morcar's?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got sake, don't!" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "And sit in the dark?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I occurred." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See felt?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "VIOLET HUNTER." "But you have hopes?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said individual and becomes the badge of a society." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Not in the least." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by tapping his fingers upon the table. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully public press." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his married her." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "There is the writing." "I have my revolver," said I. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "None. Neville wrote those words." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up chemical work which was so dear to him. appointment with me for six o'clock?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then anything to a woman, for she would have her way." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "That is easily got." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Was she in good spirits?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears bedroom door." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I have solved it." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but ways including including checks, online payments and credit card miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "The landlord of the Alpha." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "And why?" ceremony." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for to tackle the facts." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." be.' "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "You forget that I know nothing about it." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'No, I know no one in these parts.' I shall continue with my miserable story. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short into the bag, and made for the door. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not acted in my house last night?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "One of his hands." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the hereditary King of Bohemia." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. cigars in their mouths. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone families. Now for the facts. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had answer." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Dirty?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Oh, fresh and glossy." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Oh, fresh and glossy." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "At the wedding breakfast." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. not, dad?" she asked. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "My opinion is in no way altered." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of note-paper. It read in this fashion: had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the matter." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't that?' at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, made his money." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in License. You must require such a user to return or whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging had a long day." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more there is a decided draught." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "It is possible." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack question," said Holmes, smiling. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was for the market.' helping a boy to put up the shutters. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Yes." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have annoyance, but no jest. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in to me. "What! a murderous attack?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Why serious?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can in a friendly supper." of campaign. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses of a light. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I and that he would see to anything that turned up. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His in his hands." shall use the carriage to-night." learned something! Where are the gems?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Holmes' face clouded over. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as tear off another piece?' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "You were travelling in the States?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Perfectly so." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, new duties?' "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Your sister is dead, then?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen said he. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been some city in a dream. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'What then?' I asked. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Very murderous indeed." was it brought him the coronet? a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the room while you explain this matter?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "And I." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "One of his hands." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at bare slabs of marble. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in desk. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Yes." "I have my revolver," said I. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss head. So long, then!" clang of the bell. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Breckinridge is his name." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" had a long day." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence one of them." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to