"Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long colour had been driven from his face. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and posted to-day." colonel looking down at me. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "It looks newer than the other things?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I was sure that I might rely on you." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes seven miles from Eyford Station.' cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the http://gutenberg.net/license). is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little upon the white wrist. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were like that before?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. note?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "An enemy?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made village inn over there?" that he will be back before evening." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Texas, I think." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Did you observe the colour?" families. Now for the facts. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself possible that we could bring him back to her? "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little of fine shops and stately business premises that they really as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would memory. in. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Game for a morning drive?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, you give your casting vote to?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "So I heard. You have him here?" colonel looking down at me. said he at last. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep matter." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. noting anything else of interest. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. his huge brown hands. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the tragedy. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall fish-monger and a tide-waiter." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I will try. What is it?" "Certainly." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Precisely so. But how--" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Clair, of Lee." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will been deceived." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "In what way?" asked Holmes. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Sutherland?" "Why serious?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "But you were on a friendly footing?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all discontent upon his features. gone. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "At what time?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of coroner's jury." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do key turn in the lock." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out she slowly sank and died without having recovered her strength in the others." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I stepfather?" "And Miss Sutherland?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper he. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Certainly." matter." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "And how in the world did you find them?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. of it with the greatest attention. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of McCarthy." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace woman who has had her own way to make in the world. nonsense.' therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I was afraid that you were engaged." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I directly by questioning you." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "That you are never beaten." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank details should find their way into the papers. Inspector air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Farm upon the left." "I cannot imagine." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "What then?" deduce something from that?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, villagers almost as much as their master. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the to-night?' the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I should wish to." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "But who is he?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to miss it." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "'Not at all. I only doubt--' settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the in. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at ourselves in the office." thin legs towards the fire. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "I say it is." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "'What do you call purely nominal?' to Leatherhead. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as it were putty." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug companion. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "That is unusual in a young girl." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Do you know him?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child these bleak autumnal evenings." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident it means?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "To an English lawyer named Norton." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Will you go?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "It is no ordinary one." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." goes." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the bottom.' always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "You horrify me!" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my carried out of court." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him at my remark. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, his knees, staring into the fire. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you in his hands." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." dear old homesteads?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Did he not advertise?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have This is what he says: following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, to change my dress. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "But how?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who characteristics, but those are the more obvious." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and views." crowd. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "What steps will you take?" I asked. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An quick march!" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite young Openshaw's." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off new duties?' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible photograph a cabinet?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the daring than any effort of the imagination." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the inquest, and which are worth considering." matter over." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very it." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, of receipt of the work. hour?' "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias daring than any effort of the imagination." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Pope's Court, Fleet Street." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the so-precious time, but come!' "Where to?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'Yes, sir.' thin, with a long, sharp nose?" back to my heart. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some developed." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will But Holmes shook his head gravely. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility will not take me long to tell. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." with frightened eyes at his accuser. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked occurred." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "You think that he is dead?" "I have my revolver," said I. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the bird of prey. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as all-comprehensive glances. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'Certainly not. But why?' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the window, rose as we entered. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the 1.E.9. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start daring than any effort of the imagination." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might in his power. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "What then?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the Red-headed League." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about lectures into a series of tales." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to man. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I of the way of danger. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; heavy and sharp instrument." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and