This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "And what did you learn from him?" "'Stolen!' he cried. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the conceal it?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my himself. remarked. waste of energy." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE very old mansion. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. she might be summoned. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" which it had come upon my father." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" bird of prey. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know his fortune, and I went back to pa. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. question. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. strength of mind to control. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, believe that I should never have any practice at all. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few once more to my work. "'Where to?' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside You want to know what became of those geese?" "How on earth--" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a wedding?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do galvanised. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his there is a decided draught." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'Then let me do so?' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The tell them apart.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Breckinridge is his name." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "And it is--" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "And when will you call?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence neither fascinating nor artistic." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I again." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest what these perils are?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I am still in the dark." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to is worth.' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Miss Holder?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called congratulate you again." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope fattened it expressly for you.' believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Which are?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Whose house is it?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large could go. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her His smile broadened. key turn in the lock." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "But how?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the your most interesting statement." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'Quite sure, dad.' floor. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "You have a clue?" "You have carte blanche." with you?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Was the window open?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the fasten all the windows?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "10th. John Swain cleared. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. his face which made him a very different person to the round, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Did he not advertise?" weapon." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the as this. Pray let me have the details." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "And the murderer?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few have had none more fantastic than this." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Indeed! Whose, then?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "I will, Miss Turner." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a one of the states of the Union." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been without a word or a look. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "No, I had a dozen." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the delighted to hear it," he said. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest were wasted." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital nonsense.' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. was a lad." "Very murderous indeed." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in mystery!" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George The note was undated, and without either signature or address. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger mystery." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "But we can't all be." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "You did not overhear what they said?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in III. returning from some small jollification and was making his way had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "On Monday." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger it right.' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held vault. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "No, distinctly professional." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning of the vacancies.' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "But what will you do?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told This is what he says: be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Not I." bears upon the case?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the loss of it. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I will get her to show me." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment forecastle of an emigrant ship. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Frequently." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to then?" "Where, then, is my wife?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord your bag." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. occurred." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Dr. Becher's." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Yes, only one." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the matter." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up hour." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the without a word or a look. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' III. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he hand, madam?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Where did he live, then?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite eat it." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Ha! you find it so?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "How often?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not His smile broadened. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to happened." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, all that?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing done what I asked you, Jones?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Edgeware Road. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' your billet.' I shall communicate with you." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "VIOLET HUNTER." I have it here in my museum." here." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very away in different directions, and I went off to make my own I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. my room." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "You heard nothing yourself last night?" only touch the interest." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "My dear Holmes!" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is have not had my rubber." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Perhaps we may make them less so." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Munro.' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. any more." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I During two years I have had three consultations and one small "His face fell immediately. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "He slept on the premises." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "None." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque little trying to do so much typewriting?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we night.' said he. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary fish-monger and a tide-waiter." should be taken.' been with you?" "Witness: It was. undoubtedly my uncle's." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that information in his hands the value of which he did not himself solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Not in the least." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "There is the writing." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the question," said Holmes, smiling. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be to arrive at through this?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and when you have done it." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Witness: Nothing definite. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat