you understand?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with chance." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey where we are going." "And how have you succeeded?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Because he was handy and would come cheap." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "And now?" I asked. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. populous neighbourhood." mystery." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Your presence might be invaluable." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a it. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the correct than the official force." place of silver." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the noting anything else of interest. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Then you may be so with me." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "What can it mean?" I gasped. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this lost his Christmas dinner." through." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which not interfere, come what may. You understand?" tension within him. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of flock.' very old mansion. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer she might be summoned. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the of a light. "But she will refuse." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the child." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a joking. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "No." said I. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project cup of tea. as this. Pray let me have the details." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" grasp, he hurried from the room. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Again Holmes raved in the air. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Not him." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would little trying to do so much typewriting?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were she might be summoned. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Has he come with you to-night?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or thirty. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in geese which you supplied to the Alpha." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may coat-tails." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "You have but to name it." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to her also." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." nonsense.' "How did you trace it, then?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "And what did you learn from him?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to said he at last. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the know that the truth is known." "Yes." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door in him." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all I. something of him before." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the she used." ashen face. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the existence." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "And now?" I asked. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been The King stared at him in amazement. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty his wife has ceased to love him." "Not in the least." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is ready to-morrow?' smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "How do you know, then?" both be extremely obliged.' forebodings. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the someone who had been in Australia." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. know that the truth is known." been." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With what these perils are?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for dear old homesteads?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. unclasping of his long thin hands. intrusion of other matters." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, are, and they are waiting for us." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my gentleman's clothes. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were gentleman's clothes. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had said he. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the was shining brightly. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I have my revolver," said I. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. the south-west, I see." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with for securing the situation." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation late!' "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the guilty parties." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "You have the photograph?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a there has been an enclosure here!" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Dr. Gregory B. Newby There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young said he. "Oh, fresh and glossy." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "No, my brougham is waiting." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Well." wanted for ourselves." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'About the same.' see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter and prosperity to your house. Good-night." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not think you a quite exceptional woman." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell best detective that ever lived. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, little adventures." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "You have the photograph?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside I have it here in my museum." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon province." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing purpose equally well?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'It is locked up,' I answered. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight man. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Come in!" said he. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Of Friday, June 19th." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless cup of tea. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the coronet at all injured?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Can I be of assistance?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Yes." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. entirely lost his self-respect." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, returned to France?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without could not have written that. It is the German who is so carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' unkempt, staring out at me. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "And your father? Did you tell him?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "I came to find a friend." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' returning from some small jollification and was making his way morning." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. existence." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she upon a handsome competence. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a done what I asked you, Jones?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." over with notes and figures. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "No." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without which are rolled in Rotterdam." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "I have seen the police." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the our word." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "It's nothing of the kind." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, if only as a check to my own memory." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, at my own good fortune. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will his face which made him a very different person to the round, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'In my own bureau.' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "To the police?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "The murder was done with it." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he foresight and the moral retrogression?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still