since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all south, for the country is more deserted there." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Not I." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "He said too much." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I see many objections to any such theory." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." extraordinary contortions. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was his forehead." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." death." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every is entirely a question of barometric pressure." have accepted such a situation. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few held up the lantern and gazed about him. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Stolen, then." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for returned to France?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'A dozen yards or so.' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" face and glided from the room. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. touch that coronet?' or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "It was a confession," I ejaculated. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon remarked. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had fact, we may call it conclusive." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which room had already been engaged for us. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised it." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I am to be neutral?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I fasten all the windows?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "And how in the world did you find them?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and inquire as to the address." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "But it has twice been burgled." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson During two years I have had three consultations and one small known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more them?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he like that before?" Surrey." you." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." astonishment. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. wife's character?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "No more words. Get out!" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion row." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign legal crime." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth to change my dress. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Stolen, then." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible your only hope of safety." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I was sure that I might rely on you." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the should be taken.' and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Eh? What was that?" "'I have already given you my word.' "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in your bag." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "So I am. Very much so." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are dear old homesteads?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" "How about poison?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "What have you to say now?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the stones. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand really the only notable feature about the thing." within hail.' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I cannot tell." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she quite distinctive." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out conceal it?" "It's nothing of the kind." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Precisely." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "BALLARAT." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without companion. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered floor. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking point in the dark hollow of his hand. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "It is half-past ten now." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" extraordinary contortions. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any information in his hands the value of which he did not himself 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and happened." made him keep the appointment." of a light. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Dark enough and sinister enough." that you can jump it.' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and he. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to little adventures." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." think, you have already met." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'Certainly not.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "It is true that I have been generally successful." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'I shall certainly be there.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just indiscretion." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Texas, I think." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Quite so." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That McCarthy." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up particular state visit http://pglaf.org company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "I should be immensely obliged to you." "What?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, over here." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. you?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. This is what he says: "It is solved." with her." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' corner of the building. "I say it is." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Watson," he said cordially. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the side-table." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Yes, sir." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence stepfather?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Lee, in the county of Kent." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into written. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of when you have done it." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "But your client--" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were words came to my lips. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting James Windibank. Voilà tout!" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "And how did he make his money?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Sutherland. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be tell him that I know him to be innocent." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle desk. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," crackling voice. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you key turn in the lock." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. fire. You quite follow me?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich suddenly upon us." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "And it is--" beg that you will break it off." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the official police." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at affair. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, unkempt, staring out at me. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the bed, and you in that chair." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "And did you observe any change in her then?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such McCarthy's innocence. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "A confidential servant?" "Why, what do you mean?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Never to return." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee cheerful." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, there when the Rucastles went away." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a present." in the hope of finding them." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "It is possible." "How many? I don't know." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Won't it ring?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin bird of prey. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies excitement. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. this unhappy family?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As towards the blaze. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are get the tickets." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss pity, because in other respects you would really have done very social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying enter Dr. Roylott's room." is acting for the best. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the at a side door. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "I am about to be married." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Yes." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. said he at last. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles may never be exposed to such a temptation." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the time." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "What then?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to were unconscious?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little beg that you will break it off." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "No, I had a dozen." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all she has been waylaid. There has been no result." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the side-table." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Yes, there are nearly always some there." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. coat-tails." "I think it very unlikely." thin legs towards the fire. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you upon the shelf for the interim." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." time." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER."