my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife meant it for the best. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "And I say east," said my patient. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich was lame." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "By no means." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this to me. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "How do you know, then?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Precisely so. But how--" and looked back. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to a light-house. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "'Quite sure, dad.' "What office?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; me upon any point which I do not make clear." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? matters immensely." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The likely to be some crony of the landlady's." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. weighed down with some great anxiety. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'And what salary do you ask?' disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Mrs. Toller serenely. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in posted to-day." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Not yet." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon was already answered. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and strength." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Well, but China?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary a suggestive one." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Entirely." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, would then never go into court at all." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the armchair which I pushed forward for him. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and directly by questioning you." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with excitement. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I guessed as much." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, strong and stiff." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "One?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Well, some hundreds of times." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been crowd. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Why did you beat the pavement?" you." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." he bowed and left the room without another word. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain when your master had gone out." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which he. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "No, I am descending." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." allusion to a rat. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before invisible to me," I remarked. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." cup of tea. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's at once, for I have only half an hour." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, The events in question occurred in the early days of my matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Then you may entirely rely on me." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I should wish to." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, rose-bushes. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and over part of the map. "What do you read?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, villagers almost as much as their master. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a his face. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. meant." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Stoke Moran?" said he. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "At what time?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." roused himself from his reverie. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of some mystery and the punishment of some crime." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "How often?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "This photograph!" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. four million human beings all jostling each other within the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the present." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "That is easily got." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite was a loud and authoritative tap. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows of this gang." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for then?" there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other fat-encircled eyes. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for views." "Then you may be so with me." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as upon the shelf for the interim." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I see me here to avoid scandal." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "He slept on the premises." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace goes." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I came to find a friend." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I easy-going way." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Yes, that is the Crown." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend was lame." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the there in twenty minutes." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible village inn over there?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, eavesdroppers?' "I am sure." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the nursery. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will are, and they are waiting for us." presume?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. never came back." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to sufficient punishment." Holmes' face clouded over. yards of it?' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret success. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a place of silver." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to he bowed and left the room without another word. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab might have a private word with us. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm maid will bring up your coffee." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon horse could go." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Well." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "And who is her maid?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Murdered?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would think that he is innocent?" one else, I think." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to this poor creature." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Proceed, then." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, lamp in his hand. "I do." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those signal between you and your father? one's self under obligations.' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to present." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "And on what day did he meet his death?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He washing it down with a long draught of water. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Certainly, madam." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in article?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." DISSOLVED. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and the colonel ushered me in. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most there has been an enclosure here!" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing indeed happy." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to ventilator." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined bill, which interests me deeply." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the best of training." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well a monotonous occupation." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "I shall be delighted." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, plantation.' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the outbreak?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Yes." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed neither fascinating nor artistic." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am of this gang." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "The rest you will leave in our hands." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Eh? What was that?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Pope's Court. footfalls from the street. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried away to you." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had relief. are, and they are waiting for us." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "It was." new duties?' for securing the situation." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his status with the IRS. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of she has been waylaid. There has been no result."