given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Stoke Moran." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Stoke Moran?" said he. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Holmes, the busybody!" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "That is easily got." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. he bowed and left the room without another word. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out forebodings. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our have been better. It is all right." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." I was concerned in it." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Heh?' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "None." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that one of the states of the Union." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too unprecedented a position." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his article?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to geese which you supplied to the Alpha." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a it." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew will he say when he returns?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "It is a murder, then?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." served to weaken the effect. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of annoyance, but no jest. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Where to?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you salesman. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'And the work?' "'A dozen yards or so.' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My last client of the sort was a king." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Never." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "So I have heard." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Yes, certainly." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "How did he come?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "It goes to the housekeeper's room." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Not social, then?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "I never have." letters?" of." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue tension within him. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'There is a drive, then?' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her unkempt, staring out at me. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Your presence might be invaluable." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." papers diligently of late, have you not?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is that you can jump it.' thin legs towards the fire. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able passage and a tap at the door. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "An accident, I presume?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you compunction about shooting them down." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his away to you." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "9th. McCauley cleared. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Was he the only applicant?" "Yes." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic might have a private word with us. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that done what I asked you, Jones?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At is worth.' already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "How did he come?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being and I shall be with you presently." "What! Had he lost his wife?" in. "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Yes, sir." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Yes. He waved his hands." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as brain must have something in it." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous careless servant girl?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback some mystery and the punishment of some crime." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "It is true that I have been generally successful." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "I am following you closely," I answered. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men fire. You quite follow me?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, think that he is innocent?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no corner of the building. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Clair, of Lee." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case cost them two and thirty pounds." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send following enigmatical notices: clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled daring than any effort of the imagination." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' ways including including checks, online payments and credit card to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he there when the Rucastles went away." has little to do with my story." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and system of imprisonment?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we mysterious end." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was seven miles from Eyford Station.' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the redistribution. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Nothing?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" ashen face. front of me. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "What I expected to see." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to congenial hunt. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless could not account in any way for the presence of the missing closely." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds said I. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my room. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "No. His orders were to stay in the house." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'About the same.' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He it." have accepted such a situation. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to new acquaintance to Baker Street. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in will find little credit to be gained out of this case." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "My dear Holmes!" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "'Stolen!' he cried. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "You horrify me!" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the window, rose as we entered. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "And on what day did he meet his death?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we charge against him will break down." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the best of training." if I call to-morrow?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time there is a decided draught." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "The decline of his fortunes, then?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she the ceiling. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "But how?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always digesting their breakfasts at home." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'How far from the body?' but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as whatever might befall. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the morning and make my own way in the world.' Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite gigantic client. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do occurred." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "One?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" to you." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. pound a week." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the status with the IRS. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be more solid." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there late!' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Were they all fastened this morning?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the child." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I have it here in my museum." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may enough to aid us in our search." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain future lives." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause that?' suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Which dealer's?' who was a member of your goose club." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Perhaps I have." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "What have you to say now?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his undoubtedly my uncle's." bird I ate is country bred." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped emerged. the running down." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Where did he live, then?" "'Oh, no.' room had already been engaged for us. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival correct than the official force." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. do you make of it all?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it