since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a security.' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At fishes. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Pray do so." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your signal between you and your father? have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Yes." in darkness. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Frequently." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so gone before you can get him to hospital." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "The doctor?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "I have seen the police." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous used to be." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is approach us with offers to donate. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. acted in my house last night?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I father's young wife. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Has he come with you to-night?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present knowledge of the world." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence one which it was hard to resist. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "And now?" He raised his hand. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has the morning and make my own way in the world.' sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes over part of the map. "What do you read?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "What steps will you take?" I asked. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in of receipt of the work. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "She showed me, as I told you she would." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Could he throw no light?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her papers." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "But I am all in the dark." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Game for a morning drive?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it father's place of business?" little adventures." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "What office?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Holmes rather sternly. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to empty. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace one's self under obligations.' coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the date of his supposed suicide." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "You have it, sir, just as it happened." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Yes, all." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while how narrow had been my escape. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the stable lane now." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first see me here to avoid scandal." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Here?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do one's self under obligations.' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice photograph?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, drawing your inferences." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" get her out of the way." to affect your life." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. passage and a tap at the door. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Henry Baker is a member." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in in the hope of finding them." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "What will you do, then?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I have seen the police." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the closing the door. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he of Mr. Rucastle's." "'I have already given you my word.' and the colonel ushered me in. "And the cigar-holder?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "It's nothing of the kind." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Stolen." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Frequently." me. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I his face. coroner's jury." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the golden eyeglasses. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. started for the Temple to see my husband. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of cause to be." "Has he come with you to-night?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "It is possible." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "You have compromised yourself seriously." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at which it had come upon my father." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and burst out into a roar of laughter. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in details should find their way into the papers. Inspector rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the south-west, I see." case-book, which he consulted. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "We must have a cab." drawing your inferences." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears your equipment. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." read over the extraordinary announcement. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that events than those which have happened in my own family." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an there were so many in the whole country as were brought together and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, your equipment. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "And what then?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off constraint." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Yes." true." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no have not had my rubber." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "That is easily got." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Certainly." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without narrative." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get gbnewby@pglaf.org reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and front of me. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down that you can jump it.' fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and distance from the station, and there we found the young lady be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "We must have a cab." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "What steps will you take?" I asked. case before our client came into the room." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Then I am your man." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "But how did you gain them?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about beyond words. "'I have already given you my word.' instituted." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit assist you in forming an opinion." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is from you?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted again, where I was soon asleep. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. will not take me long to tell. and your relations to her." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Absolutely none." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." your equipment. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." persecution?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Pope's Court. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which purpose of examination. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of the efforts of the United States government and of the better passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her in the hope of finding them." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the success. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after all-comprehensive glances. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed one which it was hard to resist. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this to miss it." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "And what did you see?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting stepfather?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will make me his representative both with the servants and with the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the morning and make my own way in the world.' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "What, then, did Peterson do?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "He is dead," cried several voices. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were asked. "And the cigar-holder?" foot. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. true." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." heavily into it. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any unclasping of his long thin hands. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Yes, that is the Crown." "Certainly." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to whereabouts. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the mysterious business." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very American. Then who could this American be, and why should he my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "It is solved." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a companion. "When did it break out?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who