it." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, garden below. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Then I shall certainly come." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees weapon." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. chance." bonnet, and went out." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the very letters. But what is this written above them?' January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of were wasted." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he she might be summoned. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the a room. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are gone. But Holmes shook his head gravely. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" attention." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been their singular warning or token before them when starting upon that?' "'Is purely nominal.' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'Quite sure, dad.' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter companion. observed. "Do you go out much in society?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the room while you explain this matter?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Dark enough and sinister enough." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that once more for Briony Lodge. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "On your arm?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "The decline of his fortunes, then?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. nonsense.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a seen the man in the road." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. photograph?" "Your sister is dead, then?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Yes, there are nearly always some there." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' thin legs towards the fire. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'Never.' "Then, how do you know?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Have you her photograph?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project served to weaken the effect. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what at a side door. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what searched, without anything being found which could incriminate downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for than to us. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the some water from a caraffe. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I all?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "The murder was done with it." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend remarked. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "'Never.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Look there!" said he. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the for the market.' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin down. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. this as likely?" that?' events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of here." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "He disappeared so suddenly." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from the roots. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Certainly." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, did not hear it also.' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside I shall communicate with you." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me business." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Come in!" said he. me where it went to?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "So I am. Very much so." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as emerged. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light to arrive at through this?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand secret." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "I have hopes." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." knowledge of the world." purpose equally well?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "The gentleman I describe." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "You have a clue?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive derbies." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'What then?' I asked. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman happened." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up certainly do as you advise." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Certainly, madam." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'Most admirably.' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I am about to be married." details." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a upon the sideboard." looking up at the numbers of the houses." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Pray continue your narrative." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, tell them apart.' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by of your young ladies.' mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but companion. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in noting anything else of interest. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the here." "It missed him, then?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in pity, because in other respects you would really have done very house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his without a word or a look. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, just ask you whether you had heard it.' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' comes from the middle window." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if http://gutenberg.net/license). "I answered that I had not. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my some city in a dream. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you works. See paragraph 1.E below. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Yes?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "It is his hat." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Certainly." wedding?" conduct the inquiry." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "No." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, may never be exposed to such a temptation." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of in one or two places in England?' the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have The police have openly confessed that they can at present make to me. legal crime." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Have you it here?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased weighed down with some great anxiety. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and voice, changing her seat as requested. security.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of fishes. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees his cane at the bell-pull. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her bonnet, and went out." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban to tackle the facts." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' head. So long, then!" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "How often?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "What, then?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Yes." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Certainly." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of experiences." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was pound a week." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my his huge brown hands. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Not yet." "How did you deduce the select?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "He slept on the premises." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. public press." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "And Irene Adler?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to Leatherhead. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address October 9, 1890. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you legal crime." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, humiliation." heavy and sharp instrument." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. nothing of it?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I promise," said Holmes. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a affair. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much