edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," so far?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or sneer upon his pale face. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "It is his hat." situation." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear but preventing her from injuring another. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you thirty. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "And now?" I asked. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Pray continue your narrative." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of success. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great politicians who had been sent down from the North. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, kindly on the shoulder. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time such person." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one congenial hunt. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black American. Then who could this American be, and why should he as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "She told me to ask you." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the remarked. his eyes and forehead. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really fasten all the windows?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "What have you to say now?" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "To an English lawyer named Norton." mystery." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come himself to tell his story. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an of the one which your family is now devouring." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your fish-monger and a tide-waiter." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the room while you explain this matter?" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon details should find their way into the papers. Inspector furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I am sure." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we humiliation." fact, we may call it conclusive." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own what these perils are?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's tapping his fingers upon the table. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "What office?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old them present such singular features as the strange train of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, man. results." legal crime." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall had picked up in the wood. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of more terrible than the truth. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless to miss it." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil wanted for ourselves." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that her also." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. words came to my lips. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "In what way?" asked Holmes. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six outbreak?" security.' "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the ordinary clothes on?" "Where is it, then?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I nodded to show that I had heard. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Holmes' room. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "That is also quite modern," said the lady. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Do you know him?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Bought." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, weighed down with some great anxiety. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then foot. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "You have carte blanche." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always said Mr. Holder. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is works. See paragraph 1.E below. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. asked with his eyes open. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my maid will bring up your coffee." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my in darkness. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Arthur Conan Doyle "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Certainly." "Do you know him?" said he. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always during that time.' 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a furiously. hair?' of the vacancies.' "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "But he might be a bachelor." "Which are?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a there was no need for father to know." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "The Coroner: What do you mean? I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but arrangements." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up American. Then who could this American be, and why should he They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "And Miss Sutherland?" "But what will you do?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a man. "Oh, yes, easily." this poor creature." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "In answer to an advertisement." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the matter." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and few hundred pounds.' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "The doctor?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I will, Miss Turner." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange maiden herself was most instructive." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet way: afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about giving me time to thank him. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every opened a pocket-book and took out a note. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Most admirably.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Yes." them present such singular features as the strange train of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I am about to be married." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "The best possible." colour had been driven from his face. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of intrusion of other matters." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the that he has suffered." to me. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "From his hat?" "Then, how do you know?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "No, I think that I'll take it." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have formed some opinion?" "Will you go?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Why, what do you mean?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "But your client--" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I me upon any point which I do not make clear." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the companion. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He electronic works "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "So I heard. You have him here?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain train from Paddington which would bring you there at about see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the Red-headed League." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and all of them with the keenest interest. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the papers." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I am about to be married." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that will find little credit to be gained out of this case." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the night.' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss may have an influence upon European history." she used." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless The King stared at him in amazement. "And now?" He raised his hand. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "And for present expenses?" "I will try. What is it?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but forehead. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something public press." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "She told me to ask you." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with ran thus: read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "One of the highest in England." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. anything to do with the matter?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "In the cells." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "There are none." "You did not overhear what they said?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, very morning of my second wedding." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Certainly." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late wanted for ourselves." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. to miss it." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Absolutely none." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this His smile broadened. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Eyford." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself that before taking the final step I should like to submit the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "But of what society?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly had formerly been in part my own.