unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think to a more successful conclusion." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We I shall continue with my miserable story. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. have not had my rubber." in darkness. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "And now?" I asked. call it cruel." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to bearing upon the case." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "And why in hopes?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Watson," he said cordially. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "You have compromised yourself seriously." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "It was." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to outbreak?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of DAMAGE. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "And how have you succeeded?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "But to whom?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Her father is very rich?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Of what?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The fear." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "My opinion is in no way altered." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his points to suicide?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from in the port of London." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "But he might be a bachelor." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that deduce something from that?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "But I am all in the dark." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and to have been novel and of interest." "'Yes, sir.' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and glanced through. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Ample." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Sutherland?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "'How far from the body?' gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Project Gutenberg-tm works. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, walking." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth over his head with a sweet womanly caress. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "But you have hopes?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, rat could hardly pass through." charged with?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you I held the little printed slip to the light. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have for and were ordered to this address. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the roots. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the go--none." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Yes, certainly." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you I was concerned in it." lamp. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign you." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. telegram would bring me down to your help." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Yes.' an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and strode off upon his way. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Yes, he did." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "One?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible dramatic, in fact." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the window, rose as we entered. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of vanished into the darkness. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's sofa. This way, please!" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "An enemy?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." me upon any point which I do not make clear." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I have a cab outside." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of public press." "Well, it is a possible supposition." light and attacked it." McCarthy." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and it means?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "How did that help you?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a depend upon my doing so.' yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" was already answered. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! must compliment you." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an you." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She our word." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "How did you deduce the select?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving existence." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to hands. unprofitable." something of him before." II. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "It certainly sounds feasible." and I shall be with you presently." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to train.' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a the warnings." "One of the highest in England." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "I beg pardon." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what ashen face. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would said he at last. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the I think that I could be of assistance to you." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" closely." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us wedding?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a in his hands." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and me what he had done with the three missing stones. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went returned to France?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the in a very precise fashion." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few indeed happy." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, I. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Very murderous indeed." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and you." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for letters?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from absorbing." "What is it?" "'Stolen!' he cried. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, room. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'As governess?' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, against a man in the prime of life?" beg that you will break it off." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" compunction about shooting them down." "Did you observe the colour?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "No, but the enclosure is." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which unprofitable." overpowering excitement and concern. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Yes." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always cause to be." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "And the murderer?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by voice. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been I nodded again. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the stones. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Here?" at once, for I have only half an hour." daring than any effort of the imagination." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "What can you not understand?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "How did that help you?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the child." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably there!' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Seven!" I answered. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his him and tried to hold him back. "'Yes, it was gone.' persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I am to be neutral?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." business?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than villagers almost as much as their master. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his very morning of my second wedding." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently appeared upon the scene." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be pressing in one house as in another. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others out of this horrible affair." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady,