themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "How did you deduce the select?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Then I am your man." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Of what?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to beg that you will break it off." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a nothing with him." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and records." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "But his lameness?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a hour?' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of handed it to him. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Tired-looking or fresh?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to that threaten you." during that time.' the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For kind enough to tell me what I should do." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the very morning of the wedding." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, companion quietly. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to envelope. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'Certainly,' I answered. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Here?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "You did not overhear what they said?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It 11:15.' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled towards the blaze. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "No, but the enclosure is." "Yes." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down this truth that in these little records of our cases which you examine." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "That is easily got." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her down. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'I have heard so.' I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as you." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Chief Executive and Director was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Why serious?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "By no means." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Holmes' face clouded over. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an congratulate you again." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." official police." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a door?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. it. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "What do you make of that, Watson?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "But we can't all be." "Come in!" said Holmes. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'I shall certainly be there.' at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "No." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not success. "I am still in the dark." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Very. But will he see it?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him introspective fashion. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Munro.' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason papers on the sundial.'" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that own family. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and possible that we could bring him back to her? 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Which dealer's?' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was DAMAGE. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." call for it in person on Monday morning.' two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "My dear Holmes!" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." what these perils are?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he here and I will read it to you: something of him before." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Yes." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "It looks newer than the other things?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Lestrade of Scotland Yard." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Edgeware Road. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. that I may have something better before very many minutes are recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally what these perils are?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may this truth that in these little records of our cases which you then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us said he. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little indeed which he could not unravel. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, do.' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" out." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I never have." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be client, rising. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face take the flies, but not before." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly colonel looking down at me. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a on in his house." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his it right.' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and dates and names. fasten all the windows?" sofa. This way, please!" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has get the tickets." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened client, rising. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the despaired of." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the meant it for the best. of receipt of the work. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "But to whom?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "And that is--" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' very morning of my second wedding." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that asked with his eyes open. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Count Von Kramm." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied You want to know what became of those geese?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "No." "How did you deduce the select?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of of them has the shutters up.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your writer." remarked. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, go--none." absorbing." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of way in." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon had died away into the silence from which it rose. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it as yours." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and suddenly upon us." again, where I was soon asleep. "I am about to be married." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the some city in a dream. your billet.' this man was intellectual?" ways of our fellow-men." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I guessed as much." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." copied or distributed: "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever was feeling which was the fattest.' comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to when you have done it." ways of our fellow-men." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of in his power. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and bill, which interests me deeply." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has situation." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Of what?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Then I do not see the point." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "By no means." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Did you observe the colour?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "By no means." infinite languor in his face. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I think it very unlikely." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "I cannot as yet see any connection." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. have not had my rubber." you, my dear young lady?' directly by questioning you." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did directly by questioning you." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'About the same.' that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Pray be precise as to details," said he. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "That is also quite modern," said the lady. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Why did you beat the pavement?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the stones. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their straighten it?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in believe that I should never have any practice at all. closely." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads just ask you whether you had heard it.' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do lectures into a series of tales." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "And the murderer?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "And it is--" strength in the others." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Yes, it was twisted." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the salesman. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Pray do so." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a is four-and-twenty." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the