smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "The best possible." "You horrify me." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with silent! Oh, he will be silent!' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, before the coroner and the police-court." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in some mystery and the punishment of some crime." of a light. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "What will you do, then?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. money should be paid at once.' "May I see it?" "No." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" anything to do with the matter?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, have I gained?" "I am in hopes that she does." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Yes, sir." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord orange pips. Eyford." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe coroner's jury." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all carried out of court." floor. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east past. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of problems help me to do so." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "By all means." "I should be immensely obliged to you." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." outbreak?" "Married! When?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax God! What an exposure! What can I do?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you hour." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were October 9, 1890. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Where did you address your letters, then?" directly by questioning you." even of instruction." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a must compliment you." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" outbreak?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "'Yes, sir.' disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as appointment with me for six o'clock?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." definite end. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I few hundred pounds.' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: to take care of herself." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair if I call to-morrow?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" colour had been driven from his face. "Did your wife hear all this?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I never have." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some back alive. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Entirely." me upon any point which I do not make clear." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Yes, but only for you and me." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Come in!" said Holmes. "I cannot tell." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Not in the least." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot could not account in any way for the presence of the missing however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I cannot tell." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Miss Holder?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook correct than the official force." brandy and water within his reach. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the Assizes." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I extraordinary contortions. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." congratulate you again." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel directors have had misgivings upon the subject." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly are, and they are waiting for us." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Only as much as we can deduce." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the imbecility!" he cried. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'Oh, no.' about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all events than those which have happened in my own family." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your attention." what is your own theory as to what took place?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the hands. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look My friend smiled. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the south-west, I see." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King recall any case within my experience which looked at the first woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "No, my brougham is waiting." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "'I have already given you my word.' "That you are never beaten." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you outside." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled and looked back. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, present." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was not personally threatened." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." there when the Rucastles went away." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the coronet in his hand?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "No good news?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." one of them." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of vault. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to way in." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from crackling voice. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the woman." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the me. You must get home instantly and act." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Watson," he said cordially. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two attention." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." place of silver." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so views." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the I nodded again. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey of them has the shutters up.' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked James Windibank. Voilà tout!" dead, shall be safe with us." man. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I have seen the police." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "And how did you find out?" drawing your inferences." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a knowledge of the world." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we married her." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I that you wished to speak to me?' words came to my lips. "'Very good.' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Yes." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty are windows in it, of course?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, is worth.' "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "What I expected to see." been shamefully used." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "One horse?" interjected Holmes. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's to-night's adventure." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, appointment with me for six o'clock?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I cannot imagine." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet again, where I was soon asleep. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long floor. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "It's nothing of the kind." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, wedding?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." me have 200 pounds?' "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, grasp, he hurried from the room. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself fear." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." that you wished to speak to me?' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Then you may be so with me." you, my dear young lady?' maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "In what way?" asked Holmes. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the I shall communicate with you." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa back into the street. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which me have 200 pounds?' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was key of the affair now." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and than to us. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Never." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would not fit the lock." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the one as in the other." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Mrs. Toller serenely. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Yes, only one." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such here." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at front of me. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction strong reason behind." "But his lameness?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the answer." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel which should have the effect of calling the attention of the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," upon the sideboard." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have