once more. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the Red-headed League." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room my special province." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past his wife has ceased to love him." to surprise her." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is plantation.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "And I." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one she slowly sank and died without having recovered her although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open a suggestive one." cup of tea. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were telegram would bring me down to your help." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the invisible to me," I remarked. to some other building. "My last client of the sort was a king." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "It certainly sounds feasible." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "That is not always so easy." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Yes." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from clang of the bell. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "I cannot tell." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "That also I could fathom." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their companion quietly. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to me. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If imbecility!" he cried. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for matter." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs British peeress.'" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "He is dead," cried several voices. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which you." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say it." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of said he. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I assure you that I am in your hands." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Gutenberg-tm License. in a friendly supper." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never other lovers by making love himself." "Has he come with you to-night?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need make me his representative both with the servants and with the "I cannot as yet see any connection." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "I will, Miss Turner." assist you in forming an opinion." residence of the great financier. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the was used.' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up had picked up in the wood. "We have tried and failed." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One 11:15.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it recover the gem." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in indiscretion." "He disappeared so suddenly." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey in your London, you will know that the office of the company is enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was had this final quarrel? particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Ha! you find it so?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, client, rising. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very because she had spent so short a time in this country that she someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, is now desirous of getting those letters back." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are to some other building. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Chief Executive and Director hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Who was the criminal, then?" to change my dress. fashion which was peculiar to him. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a appeared upon the scene." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "You will not go there first?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the did not hear it also.' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'A dozen yards or so.' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "And is that all?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his like gravel from a pit.' that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary strength of mind to control. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post wedding?" but preventing her from injuring another. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "You horrify me!" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of third from London." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I am still in the dark." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Precisely." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'Yes.' "There is the writing." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'As governess?' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. lost his Christmas dinner." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for 1.F. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat really the only notable feature about the thing." like gravel from a pit.' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It asked. "Was he the only applicant?" think that he is innocent?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "It was an hour's good drive." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "But she could not love him." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was client, rising. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "What!" he roared. in him." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "What is it?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do 11:15.' before the coroner and the police-court." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "But how could you guess what the motive was?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "But how could you guess what the motive was?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I cannot imagine." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed good-night and bustled off upon her way. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Well." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was outbreak?" "'Where could I find him?' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the corner of the building. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his congenial hunt. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to already referred to. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to get her out of the way." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing him." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table might have a private word with us. "Certainly." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let with you?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of II. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and sound at heart." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You heard nothing yourself last night?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I guessed as much." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "And the murderer?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Literary Archive Foundation call the police, let the police find what they can.' out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I would pay ten." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, skylight. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came because she had spent so short a time in this country that she sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "By no means." question. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the companion. "You are hungry," I remarked. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I cannot imagine." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I guessed as much." writer." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of one's self under obligations.' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting room. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but you understand?" "The doctor?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Eyford at 11:15.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I beg pardon." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and you give your casting vote to?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an right! Sit down and let us talk it over." just called myself is not exactly my own." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "What of the rat, then?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Were they all fastened this morning?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were is worth.' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "What then?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had desk. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I came to find a friend." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Pool. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and it right.' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does place, I think that there is good ground to think that the your billet.' over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "In the cells." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of not fit the lock." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I have a cab outside." "None." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "You have it, sir, just as it happened." rat could hardly pass through." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'About the same.' gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "I say it is." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "And sit in the dark?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "This photograph!" the running down." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No client, rising. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and no precautions can guard against." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter