other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical of receipt of the work. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel begin with, and I had not got mine yet." next day. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, his forehead." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. possible that we could bring him back to her? a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, acted in my house last night?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." o'clock is it?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong points to suicide?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had you found me to-night--and running through the front room she weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "And now?" He raised his hand. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "None." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles fattened it expressly for you.' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily brain must have something in it." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had in this note: very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid there has been an enclosure here!" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "And I." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been back alive. "They are typewritten," I remarked. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a roused himself from his reverie. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "What then?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: despair." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst joking. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. outside. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if cigar and let me expound." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In is," said he presently: Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what me." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Yes, from Horsham." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Murdered?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can gentleman's clothes. "Certainly." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. deduce something from that?" "It is half-past ten now." "'Which dealer's?' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said bird I ate is country bred." tear off another piece?' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to your bag." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which that you can jump it.' young Openshaw's." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. so.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Yes." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. visitors." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of them present such singular features as the strange train of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time door?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Stolen." observed. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and he died? having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "What shall I do?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I do." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow will he say when he returns?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, few hundred pounds.' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It perplexity from it to my illustrious client. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was are windows in it, of course?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. away into the river." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the window, rose as we entered. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The rest you will leave in our hands." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, have got?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her evidence," I remarked. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a some terrible trap for her." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" fattened it expressly for you.' We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your quick march!" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless jewels which you have stolen?' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Ample." clanging. "At the wedding breakfast." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink His smile broadened. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw colonel looking down at me. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Has he come with you to-night?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the matter?" think that he is innocent?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing such person." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face reach." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you your billet.' train.' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "And when will you call?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "In answer to an advertisement." asked. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "When did she vanish, then?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have least a most suspicious remark." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "That sounds a little paradoxical." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Ah, but I was recommended to you." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of down. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with green of the new foliage. "A client, then?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Certainly, madam." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a respectable self." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in direction." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I I shall communicate with you." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him American. Then who could this American be, and why should he he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that it with his own hands." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "My last client of the sort was a king." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting presented more singular features than that which was associated is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike at once, for I have only half an hour." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "No legal papers or certificates?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Yes." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, photograph?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the child." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord undoubtedly my uncle's." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and not, dad?" she asked. in him." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Married! When?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant our word." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the knowledge of the world." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he following enigmatical notices: better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Young McCarthy must be got off, however." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I am still in the dark." meanly of me." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman photograph a cabinet?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are should be so warm over such a trifle." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell copied or distributed: matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'How far from the body?' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the criminal. We have already had experience of such." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to written. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you James Windibank. Voilà tout!" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the in my life." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt sooner or later she must fall a victim. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Yes." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. with frightened eyes at his accuser. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries.