colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "How about poison?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "It missed him, then?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "You think that he is dead?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being families. Now for the facts. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." some water from a caraffe. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the nursery. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "But I am all in the dark." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are cigars in the box." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost to me. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building your only hope of safety." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened will not take me long to tell. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless standing smiling on the door-step. "How many? I don't know." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not stammered. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking me where it went to?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used and inquire as to the address." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Why serious?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "No, thank goodness, she did not." "The King of Scandinavia." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Yes." for the market.' house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey easy-going way." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and been with you?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a details." bare slabs of marble. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "So it appears." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's think you a quite exceptional woman." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Eyford." "A confidential servant?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "My dear Holmes!" been." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Her father is very rich?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Not particularly." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their of note-paper. It read in this fashion: and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Farm upon the left." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter bearing upon the case." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble beg that you will break it off." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken enter Dr. Roylott's room." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the this unhappy family?" already referred to. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs to that open window." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at useful material for showing traces. The double line a little chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might considering the formidable letters which were received by himself held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "The King of Scandinavia." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he 1.F. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Upon what point?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had not come at once?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes through." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down is acting for the best. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, photograph a cabinet?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the occupations.' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Do you receive much company?" he asked. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in suggested at once that there must be a communication between the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Certainly." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "I shall most certainly do so." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside intrusion of other matters." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A had no one to advise her at such a crisis." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly and that he would see to anything that turned up. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an It may be so in this case, also." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I test if we have an answer to our advertisement." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "On Monday." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the dangers which encompass me." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled back alive. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up grasp, he hurried from the room. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Nothing." "'Yes, sir.' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "She showed me, as I told you she would." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." showing my impatience. "And your father? Did you tell him?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered what is your own theory as to what took place?" with her." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an wife's character?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. floor. that?' His name is Francis Prosper." my secret was safe in his possession. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Not him." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in for the market.' that you can jump it.' During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of relief. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely It may be so in this case, also." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back any more." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One frequently gained my first real insight into the character of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." third from London." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off that you can jump it.' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." an introduction to him?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would outbreak?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again shoulder; "he's all right." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Why? What do you mean?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Nothing?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." jewels which you have stolen?' forebodings. any more." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single next day. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "No, I think that I'll take it." "And who is her maid?" Gutenberg-tm License. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." in the port of London." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Pray continue your narrative." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "But how?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the kindly on the shoulder. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that character. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you of." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Could he throw no light?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the one as in the other." affair. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, whether it answered to the description of any of their cigars in their mouths. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Certainly." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to formed some opinion?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Very. But will he see it?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is lamp. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended client, rising. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin little trying to do so much typewriting?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Did you become engaged then?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson people don't know." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as these bleak autumnal evenings." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his correct than the official force." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which do you make of it all?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the warnings." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now hard-headed British jury." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his vault. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Watson," he said cordially. crowd. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "What do you mean?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see