leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, McCarthy." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the stones. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. that there was nothing in it, after all." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for tightly behind him. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Holmes, the busybody!" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "And Irene Adler?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Gutenberg-tm License. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Entirely." and I shall be with you presently." "Who was the criminal, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. with some details as to your case." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything should be so warm over such a trifle." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of what do you think they found in the pockets?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'Quite sure, dad.' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty himself to tell his story. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I am still in the dark." bled considerably." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "It was an hour's good drive." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple may have an influence upon European history." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key murdered man." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "You forget that I know nothing about it." little adventures." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Could he throw no light?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, look upon these things in a different way." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Absolutely none." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "You think that he is dead?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Was there a secret marriage?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "But how?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can be. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I to tackle the facts." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to on re-entering her father's house?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "And help." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "No, finished." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered conduct the inquiry." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "What office?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout shoulder. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't lumber-room." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew hair?' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Tired-looking or fresh?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was in darkness. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer attention." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I you?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are do you make of it all?" "The Cedars?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Yes." "I never have." "He might." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of drawing your inferences." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, remarked. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I am following you closely," I answered. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same said I. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK there were so many in the whole country as were brought together behind me. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I shall be delighted." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how persecution?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and ways of our fellow-men." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre might help us?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal gone. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for fear." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "And how did you verify them?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard business?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite during that time.' probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back back into the street. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Surrey." "He is still with you, I presume?" invisible to me," I remarked. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, without a word or a look. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "The doctor?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. not within a twentieth part of the market price." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "He said that you could solve anything." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "'I have heard so.' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Ah!" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three are, I think, all that we need." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "You don't mind breaking the law?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to least a most suspicious remark." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'Yes, sir.' over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the weapon." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil fattened it expressly for you.' himself. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. you." paper in the air. within hail.' to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the dangers which encompass me." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "That is easily got." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man foresight and the moral retrogression?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will there were so many in the whole country as were brought together way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I am in hopes that she does." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the address that was given us in the advertisement. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Certainly, madam." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the you." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That people don't know." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Nothing?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. question," said Holmes, smiling. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "We must sit without light. He would see it through the to that open window." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Absolutely?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own McCarthy." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a through." approach us with offers to donate. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we me. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I don't say that. Perhaps." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "What I expected to see." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." the date of his supposed suicide." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I will get her to show me." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll some mystery and the punishment of some crime." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." of the one which your family is now devouring." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the nursery. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'And what salary do you ask?' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him rooms." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Dr. Becher's." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." have been better. It is all right." to that open window." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds companion imperturbably. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "An accident, I presume?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. some city in a dream. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "You are hungry," I remarked. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the nothing with him." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Then I shall certainly come." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the approach us with offers to donate. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Yes, it was twisted." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried get her out of the way." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few