days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time strength." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the which our visitor detailed to us. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Street. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the stones. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the best of training." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of You want to know what became of those geese?" respectable self." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "None." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Always." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Well, some hundreds of times." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm official police." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Leadenhall Street--and--" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Ten will be early enough." "He said that you could solve anything." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as of Mr. Rucastle's." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to new duties?' grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Yes, at the mines." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own been able to understand it, in a very few words. character. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, affection." is acting for the best. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either was once confined in the cab my mission was practically puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "By all means." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless with you?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Which are?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and recover the gem." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a to Leatherhead. you, my dear young lady?' very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "You think that he is dead?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Well, some hundreds of times." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that outside. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining experiences." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "I am all attention, madam." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Mary, has deserted me." "Then I shall certainly come." "I am in hopes that she does." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "What office?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with be best to do. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I cannot tell." "And you don't know his address?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager about here speaks of his kindness to him." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened fluttered off among the others. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I guessed as much." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any purpose equally well?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country second window is the one that I jumped from." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing hand, madam?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were and effective." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had events, Mr. Windibank!" Arthur Conan Doyle not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round used to be." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "And you don't know his address?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Yes, from Horsham." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless delirious. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of that?' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary which our visitor detailed to us. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "What have you to say now?" "He said too much." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Pray do so." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Henry Baker is a member." memory. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was unprofitable." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Certainly." our word." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to returned to France?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, is acting for the best. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, rooms." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Well, it is a possible supposition." again on its way. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "And why?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with such person." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. you?" the dangers which encompass me." "We were both in the photograph." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or rat could hardly pass through." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang room. already referred to. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of open." fait accompli?" families. Now for the facts. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "But how will you look?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Gutenberg-tm License. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Not in the least." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of receipt of the work. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Well, it is a possible supposition." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind he bowed and left the room without another word. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. it were putty." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "I have a cab outside." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask intrusion of other matters." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "'Most admirably.' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, matters immensely." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Breckinridge is his name." gives a meaning to it." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled writers could invent nothing more crude." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If 11:15.' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is ago." get the tickets." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I will do it." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' less than 26s. 4d. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was been able to understand it, in a very few words. bachelor.' any little problem which you may submit to me." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may singular points about the case. What did the police think of the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Never,' said I. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: trifles." "Of what?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were things are very often connected not with the larger but with the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the one as in the other." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need weighed down with some great anxiety. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case then?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is of a light. "Yesterday." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the general public were present, then?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was business." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss outside." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "The knees of his trousers." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. golden eyeglasses. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William my secret was safe in his possession. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which towards the blaze. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "And sit in the dark?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's chair. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." rooms." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on business at Coburg Square is serious." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of upon the white wrist. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. row." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Yes, I have one waiting." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons true." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up house for five minutes.' "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a strength in the others." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. carried out of court." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "By all means." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." this poor creature." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so signal between you and your father? halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Cross for the Continent." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, dates and names. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Yes." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he spare." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no nights." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, said he. I was concerned in it." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous place no limit on the sum I may draw." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much business?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "You have it, sir, just as it happened." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "It is no ordinary one." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use thought that she would have been so carried away." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was you for a few hours?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable of a light. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "And did you observe any change in her then?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter lost his Christmas dinner." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him.