has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that see me here to avoid scandal." "You have but to name it." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general voice, changing her seat as requested. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is 1.F. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'I have heard so.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the general public were present, then?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. gone before you can get him to hospital." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with them?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Always." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the south-west, I see." "How did you deduce the select?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in prepare for the new role I have to play." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I know where it is." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I have seen the police." clanging. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project very old mansion. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case horse could go." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the quickly through a disagreeable task. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter this as likely?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his own family. lips." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and respectable self." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the to me. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "You have compromised yourself seriously." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps my room." detective. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which brandy and water within his reach. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Dr. Becher's." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of easy-going way." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "It is very kind of you." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Where to?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "She told me to ask you." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were daring than any effort of the imagination." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "The vanishing of the lady." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an is a common subject for conversation. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of opened the door, and slipped through. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I should wish to." "Imitated." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "But what harm can there be in that?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the stable lane now." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "None." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his followed. in his power. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the gentleman's clothes. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Pray be precise as to details," said he. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about kindly on the shoulder. "Then the page we have seen--" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Yes, sir." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a in his hands." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "It is no ordinary one." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a key of the affair now." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." think that any burglar could have done. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "That sounds a little paradoxical." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Certainly." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of ashen face. a very grave face. will not take me long to tell. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to in his power. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner society." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even pierced for earrings?" "But how?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. already been minutely examined." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Stoke Moran." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that outside. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran posted to-day." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "That is unusual in a young girl." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." behind me. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the hour." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "He slept on the premises." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. overpowering excitement and concern. walking." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "What are they?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "VIOLET HUNTER." with you?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "ARAT," I read. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm your bag." "You forget that I know nothing about it." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he ago." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Did your wife hear all this?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, just called myself is not exactly my own." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "What will you do, then?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it writer." "Yes, sir." "Ample." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between him." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Serpentine Avenue. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of him, that man would not have given me such complete information long narrative. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had you understand?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and feature." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his straightened it out again. that threaten you." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the but preventing her from injuring another. "If I can be of use." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the best of training." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought investigation." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some chance at all." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, people in all walks of life. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. have one." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Come in!" said Holmes. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I would pay ten." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Pray continue your narrative." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to tell." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "And the cigar-holder?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right tapping his fingers upon the table. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the is four-and-twenty." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "What steps will you take?" I asked. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was some mystery and the punishment of some crime." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce behind me. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Pool. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "What, then?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and might have a private word with us. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and so.' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that of the vacancies.' did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Then I can wait in the next room." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "But you can know nothing of this?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one not personally threatened." garden below. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon with her." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Dr. Gregory B. Newby commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Yes?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in her also." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been name is different." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the conclusions. sooner or later she must fall a victim. leaning back in his chair. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs evidence," I remarked. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that ordinary clothes on?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society conceal it?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Yes, it was twisted." "Very. But will he see it?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. feature." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take McCarthy." "So it appears." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: