The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." there." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future confronted him. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously redistribution. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my and glanced through. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "My Mary? Impossible!" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of opened the door, and slipped through. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "You saw the ventilator, too?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for some water from a caraffe. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, it." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "She told me to ask you." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "And the murderer?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same quick march!" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the inquest, and which are worth considering." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Serpentine Avenue. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be The police have openly confessed that they can at present make building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." it. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "So it appears." made his money." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to questionable one." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate that you saw all that I did." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Holmes, the busybody!" "Perfectly so." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I was sure that I might rely on you." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "By train from Waterloo." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, strong and stiff." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside was once confined in the cab my mission was practically beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and States. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as been deceived." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, weighed down with some great anxiety. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." morning." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the salesman. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The searched, without anything being found which could incriminate in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "A call for help, you thought?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life even of instruction." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "My dear Holmes!" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing details." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near may have an influence upon European history." stood on the top of it. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so jewels which you have stolen?' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the you do it in twenty minutes!' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter matter over." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Foundation you found me to-night--and running through the front room she of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "And why?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the said he. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. said he. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my never will be, entirely cleared up. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Absolutely?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more hour." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he through." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that strength in the others." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" done what I asked you, Jones?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what with her." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "So I heard. You have him here?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the was it brought him the coronet? it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was then?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his is so. I know all about McCarthy." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Did your wife hear all this?" very morning of my second wedding." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Leadenhall Street--and--" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she pity, because in other respects you would really have done very passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised evidence," I remarked. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently which we had just quitted. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was said he. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "But who is he?" to have that photograph." drawing your inferences." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." look dissatisfied." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "About a month then." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." to some other building. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "You think that he is dead?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting absolutely follow my advice in every respect." best detective that ever lived. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in legal crime." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me carried out of court." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." suspect him." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case little trying to do so much typewriting?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I cannot think." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by upon a handsome competence. which we had just quitted. floor. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by you?' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Because he was handy and would come cheap." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the other lovers by making love himself." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A once more to my work. Sholtos." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been so.' a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs question," said Holmes, smiling. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped mystery may be cleared along those lines." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. long narrative. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of or other trace. But how on earth--" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. I leave." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the side-table." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been morning." remarked. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to forbidden door. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, and that he would see to anything that turned up. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Yes, certainly." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'You cannot say what it was?' fear." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged hurried by. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and mystery!" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning overpowering excitement and concern. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the do.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Certainly, madam." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Dr. Gregory B. Newby "One of the highest in England." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced quickly through a disagreeable task. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so was a perfect sample of the class. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back dramatic, in fact." his huge brown hands. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens open." not, dad?" she asked. pound a week." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Witness: I must still refuse. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and bore every mark of being an average commonplace British your sleep?' "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of me." cigars in their mouths. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Surrey." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused trying to your nerves." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I should like to see him very much." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid voice, changing her seat as requested. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but you do it in twenty minutes!' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had appeared upon the scene." "May I see it?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of eat it." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I was sure that I might rely on you." feature." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the correct than the official force." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing obstinate." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come depend upon your compliance." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have