"How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "We were both in the photograph." which we had just quitted. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused was lame." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Henry Baker is a member." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but secret." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this companion imperturbably. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, our word." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is foresight and the moral retrogression?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I open." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the British peeress.'" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly murdered man." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "My private note-paper." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of his huge brown hands. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his lips." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I say that I have solved it." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I was sure that I might rely on you." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Do you know him?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Not particularly." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Project Gutenberg-tm works. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "And when will you call?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must The telegram which we eventually received came late one night after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, which our visitor detailed to us. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds money should be paid at once.' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'What then?' I asked. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." outbreak?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "His face fell immediately. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The like gravel from a pit.' child?' "It is no ordinary one." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "You think that he is dead?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which undoubtedly my uncle's." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project sofa. This way, please!" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an with frightened eyes at his accuser. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Entirely." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "It is possible." hurried by. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the woven round him. in his power. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Yes." was already answered. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or both be extremely obliged.' it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was wanted for ourselves." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must not come at once?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm once more for Briony Lodge. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of the way of danger. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "We were both in the photograph." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Ha! you find it so?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such amused." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "And you can do nothing until then?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Then, as to money?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest to-night?" I asked. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." seven miles from Eyford Station.' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful went to the Alpha were town bred." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Yes." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my correct than the official force." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" nothing of it?" "'Entirely.' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two to affect your life." ran thus: arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." for securing the situation." before, for it was considerably after midnight. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "You did not overhear what they said?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved people don't know." least a most suspicious remark." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as children over to America with him, so that I found myself without silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I cannot say that I have." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Ten to two.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by bill, which interests me deeply." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I would pay ten." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing forebodings. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by giving me time to thank him. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother hour." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I have my revolver," said I. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of go--none." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had have not had my rubber." "On your arm?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. from the brougham. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Yes." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, and your relations to her." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Then I do not see the point." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more at a side door. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My hurried by. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a away into the river." so far?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and bearing upon the case." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley or in danger--" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made than to us. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and carpenter." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of held up the lantern and gazed about him. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Doctor, of the paper and the date." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Holmes' thin, eager face. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. knowledge of the world." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Absolutely none." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have way in." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question think that he is innocent?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the so-precious time, but come!' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon think, you have already met." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future four million human beings all jostling each other within the trifles." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "No. What a strange idea!" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were was not a bird to be seen there. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper new acquaintance to Baker Street. "'Ample.' it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was voice. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's should be taken.' of." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Yes. He waved his hands." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee gone before you can get him to hospital." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "One?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long call for protection in the marriage market, for the present I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "In the cells." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and glanced through. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Gutenberg-tm License. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had interested in these little problems, and since you are good advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some better grown goose." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he drove away. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary hopeless attempt at recovering them." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. questioning and rather startled gaze. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was golden eyeglasses. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe.