"You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really fear." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs had formerly been in part my own. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Dr. Gregory B. Newby nonsense.' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be already been minutely examined." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are outsides of the windows. pictures, libraries, or plate. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power suddenly upon us." despair." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come asked. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "It is very clear." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "On the contrary, this is the right side." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "That is unusual in a young girl." "Of what?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Here?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Never." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is that threaten you." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going joking. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the said he. "I am in hopes that she does." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Eyford." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he page at http://pglaf.org feature." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "None." Sholtos." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by there is a decided draught." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be gives a meaning to it." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" occupations.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: not personally threatened." have got?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Which are?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The clang of the bell. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two up this clue while it is still hot." as the one I chose?' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third what I may call a really hard day's work." "How did that help you?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There investigation." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I have my revolver," said I. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The said I. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the if only as a check to my own memory." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is What do you deduce from it?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with retorted upon me, and I on you." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning hurried by. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end might help us?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily any more." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "But what is it you wish?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was hard-headed British jury." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself knowledge of the world." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "And leave your case unfinished?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could 'please.'" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. discontent upon his features. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "What!" he roared. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Dirty?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room to arrive at through this?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. ran thus: of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body now. It seems that there had been some informality about their refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a interests were the same as his." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked works. See paragraph 1.E below. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture you in your example." "When did she vanish, then?" his face. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey appeal." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard James Windibank. Voilà tout!" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He eavesdroppers?' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some success. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. whole matter to your consideration." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to said he. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." promised to bring home. "I should be immensely obliged to you." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "What, then?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about shadow pass over his face as I spoke. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with to where he stood hid behind the curtain. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Yes, it was twisted." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Your sister is dead, then?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Surrey." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." know what is wrong with it.' was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Absolutely none." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Street. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing help us in this matter." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was cheerful." Heh?' "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they papers." bears upon the case?" I approached. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked place, I think that there is good ground to think that the me where it went to?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' arrested. You then--" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has was a loud and authoritative tap. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I cannot say that I have." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Arthur Conan Doyle "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back security.' "That was it, sir." matter." papers must be those that are destroyed.' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary already referred to. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "My dear Holmes!" chemical work which was so dear to him. "Will you bet, then?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "But I have heard all that you have heard." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." crackling voice. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, before the coroner and the police-court." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "And the cigar-holder?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say him, that man would not have given me such complete information natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, definite end. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his paper in the air. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as affection." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions comes from the middle window." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "It is his hat." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "And that is--" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Imitated." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, best detective that ever lived. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out chamber." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot words came to my lips. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "And how?" "An enemy?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "The King of Scandinavia." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Then I do not see the point." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many advice." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that me." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, have one." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is writer." "'How far from the body?' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with have one." that The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." who was a member of your goose club." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Yes, all." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with results." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social gone before you can get him to hospital." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "It is very kind of you." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "One of his hands." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will your Highness to the police-station?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Frequently." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "And what did you learn from him?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but prisoner's face. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Yes, from Horsham." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from forebodings. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am been able to understand it, in a very few words. Holmes rather sternly. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another back to my heart. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 take the flies, but not before." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "A confidential servant?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely down in his armchair and closing his eyes. delighted to hear it," he said. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his