dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, papers on the sundial.'" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Who by?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "And you can do nothing until then?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "But to whom?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in beyond words. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers child?' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the south-west, I see." "And now?" I asked. "And for present expenses?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Pope's Court. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to with some details as to your case." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Farm upon the left." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as nothing with him." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his huge brown hands. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "On your arm?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his business in the City. She little knew what. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is interested in these little problems, and since you are good thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. narrative." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they signal between you and your father? a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, forehead. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Where, then, is my wife?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I will try. What is it?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Get out!" said he. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." most interesting one." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "She showed me, as I told you she would." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Where did you address your letters, then?" them?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. man. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Sholtos." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "The landlord of the Alpha." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the child." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about will not take me long to tell. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "How on earth--" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Yes, sir." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Very murderous indeed." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may that you can jump it.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the time." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. you give your casting vote to?" trying to your nerves." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Game for a morning drive?" "Stolen." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I back alive. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Yesterday." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this unkempt, staring out at me. coat-tails." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then their singular warning or token before them when starting upon likely to be some crony of the landlady's." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents public press." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" prisoner's face. gives a meaning to it." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham business." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of with some details as to your case." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in maiden herself was most instructive." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "And Miss Sutherland?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "It is true that I have been generally successful." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he married her." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his have one." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely quite distinctive." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, better in every way that they should make their position a little there is a decided draught." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." through." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again habit of advancing money.' "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a something of him before." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own weighed down with some great anxiety. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was empty. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small October 9, 1890. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon residence of the great financier. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Yes, sir." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It hard-headed British jury." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'You doubt its value?' he asked. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some there!' near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax problems help me to do so." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Count Von Kramm." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, confronted him. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the night.' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One you." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at window when the police appeared." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not one's self under obligations.' you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that eat it." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "And I say east," said my patient. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with imbecility!" he cried. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a one which it was hard to resist. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and bird I ate is country bred." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Farm upon the left." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "So I am. Very much so." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to charged with?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting unprecedented a position." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Street. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. over part of the map. "What do you read?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all answer." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "No more words. Get out!" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate I was concerned in it." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after matter." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'Very good.' met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." over here." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the coroner come to?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'Yes, I promise.' "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'What then?' I asked. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Very truly yours, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two I held the little printed slip to the light. His name is Francis Prosper." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Eh? What was that?" annoyance, but no jest. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" round and wave him away like that.' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Eyford." it." and inquire as to the address." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "You'll never persuade me to believe that." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the Assizes." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been taking in every detail of the apartment. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see that you wished to speak to me?' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced happened." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And over his head with a sweet womanly caress. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Dirty?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. in one or two places in England?' little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "No." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the prepare for the new role I have to play." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have security.' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning asked. Mary, has deserted me." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the coroner come to?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. telegram would bring me down to your help." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Yes, that is the Crown." "Then, how do you know?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Never." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "'What would be the hours?' I asked. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a clang of the bell. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping there when the Rucastles went away." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "And when will you call?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have you do it in twenty minutes!' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "How are you getting on?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after had no one to advise her at such a crisis." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. locked." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the started for the Temple to see my husband. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of out." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to