"Pray be precise as to details," said he. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to change my dress. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "You have but to name it." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the morning and make my own way in the world.' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack III. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "'Where could I find him?' business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Certainly, madam." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "In heaven's name, what for?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always The telegram which we eventually received came late one night savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Mary, has deserted me." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the matter?" second window is the one that I jumped from." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "But how did you gain them?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for face and glided from the room. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "And I say east," said my patient. mysterious end." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Witness: Nothing definite. "Not in the least." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the best of training." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Have you her photograph?" "I cannot tell." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to murdered man." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall are, I think, all that we need." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the salesman. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Yes?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. of this gang." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "But who is he?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his forebodings. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah felt?" "I will do it." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out any." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him key of the affair now." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means said he at last. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and a shock of very red hair. helping a boy to put up the shutters. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has unprecedented a position." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the keep the flames under. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very man. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment business at Coburg Square is serious." "'What, the red-headed man?' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "The vanishing of the lady." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which new acquaintance to Baker Street. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the this poor creature." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Never.' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "No, I had a dozen." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I am in hopes that she does." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "In what way?" asked Holmes. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away should be so warm over such a trifle." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Yes." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited late." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "My dear Holmes!" "Get out!" said he. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we affair. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your done what I asked you, Jones?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I see many objections to any such theory." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Absolutely none." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will perplexity from it to my illustrious client. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Not social, then?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "We must have a cab." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying was the fact that his father should, according to his account, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. seen the man in the road." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was your troubles." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done your only hope of safety." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. acquaintance?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, crowd. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "At half-wages, in fact." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Ample." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," indeed happy." you." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "ARAT," I read. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, III. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "The doctor?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished DISSOLVED. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, your bag." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you voice, changing her seat as requested. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips if she died from some sudden fright." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, like gravel from a pit.' "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" to talk it over. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Yes." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "No." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the bottom.' "Nothing." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones again, where I was soon asleep. already been minutely examined." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would overpowering excitement and concern. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost do.' gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the nonsense.' in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be address. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter shoulder. the house with me." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the your Highness to the police-station?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until hurried away. ventilator." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. prison!" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "And for present expenses?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Yes, all." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a even so self-evident a thing as that." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Yes, that is the Crown." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the tragedy. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I whether it answered to the description of any of their the inquest, and which are worth considering." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the ceiling. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "'Stolen!' he cried. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This breakfast?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming our word." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. interested in these little problems, and since you are good traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "It is possible." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'Never.' Mrs. Toller serenely. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Witness: Nothing definite. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "So I heard. You have him here?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "My private note-paper." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'And the work?' balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of assist you in forming an opinion." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the three of the beryls in it, was missing. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "What steps will you take?" I asked. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "It is possible." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, over part of the map. "What do you read?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs room. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "What can you not understand?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I correct than the official force." had a long day." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'What, the red-headed man?' turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, look upon these things in a different way." the child." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than village inn over there?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "You have the photograph?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Foundation "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of know what is wrong with it.' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or less than 26s. 4d. when your master had gone out." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through face and glided from the room. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of meanly of me." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the running down." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Yes." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Breckinridge is his name." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a entirely devoid of interest." "At half-wages, in fact." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I warn you that they are very incomplete." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Holmes' room. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling