the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'About the same.' and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project thirty. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet been anything against him. He had for years been known as a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Witness: It was. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "'There is a drive, then?' look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us conduct the inquiry." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'I am sure if I had known--' weary and pale-looking. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their allusion to a rat. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "What then?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient tell me that you intended to go into harness." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'Stolen!' he cried. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, DAMAGE. "My own seal." before the coroner and the police-court." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Pope's Court. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have towards the blaze. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Yes." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and late!' slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" papers diligently of late, have you not?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Not particularly." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have mysterious business." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Your French gold?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face attention." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and observed. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able house for five minutes.' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I was sure that I might rely on you." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me of note-paper. It read in this fashion: though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the grasp, he hurried from the room. come either from the window or the door. My attention was springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding I took the paper from him and read as follows: not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "And how did you verify them?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to indeed happy." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Absolutely none." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to husband's writing, madam." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard this man was intellectual?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given that I am arrested." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without gbnewby@pglaf.org "About a month then." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey miles off. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I cannot tell." "How are you getting on?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." them?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney suspect him." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "What office?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own followed. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in bird I ate is country bred." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master hurried by. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and in darkness. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building indiscretion." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "And you thought he was pulled back?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. one which it was hard to resist. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "'Where to?' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'Where to?' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out way in." he. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite depend upon my doing so.' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I burst out into a roar of laughter. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of examine." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of success. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Oh, the cause is excellent!" tapping his fingers upon the table. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I cannot tell." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and IS roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. least a fellow-countryman. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, must compliment you." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and important." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is bears upon the case?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two upon the sideboard." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Why did you beat the pavement?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at have established a very serious case against the son of the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that down. "Nothing?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Have you it here?" This is what he says: "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. him, that man would not have given me such complete information am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" charge against him will break down." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her are, I think, all that we need." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the peculiar to him. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. married her." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such made him keep the appointment." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a them, and came down just as you departed. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Stolen." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Holmes' room. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and that he would see to anything that turned up. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Stolen, then." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining never will be, entirely cleared up. The summons was a brief and urgent one. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly there was no need for father to know." "Yes, only one." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice garden below. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Yes, at the mines." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A digesting their breakfasts at home." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the bachelor.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. The King stared at him in amazement. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'I am sure that I do not know.' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope habit of advancing money.' "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his of your young ladies.' copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "You have but to name it." money should be paid at once.' "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Very truly yours, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Very truly yours, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with fire. You quite follow me?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. possible that we could bring him back to her? once more on the important position which you have been fortunate immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss speckled band?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his figure." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most leaning back in his chair. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only at home. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that voice, changing her seat as requested. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "I never have." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while business." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay tapping his fingers upon the table. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the amused." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or companion imperturbably. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached will find little credit to be gained out of this case." in the hope of finding them." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight certainly not very gracious." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Does that suggest anything?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" several quiet little villages up there." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Look there!" said he. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the salesman. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and think, you have already met." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not someone who had been in Australia." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. redistribution. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine your bag." when your master had gone out." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss unkempt, staring out at me. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the inner apartment." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "What! a murderous attack?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay least a most suspicious remark." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to I nodded to show that I had heard. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same hurried away. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Really! You surprise me." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account green of the new foliage. your Highness to the police-station?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a started for the Temple to see my husband. "Deserted you?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are