"In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, was keenly on my guard against him. little trying to do so much typewriting?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. do.' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. room?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of was not a bird to be seen there. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Perhaps I have." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." orange pips. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and files of the old papers, following the future career of every makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. lamp. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I have a cab outside." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence leaning back in his chair. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't that you can jump it.' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left what is your own theory as to what took place?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I wedding?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming when you have done it." Edgeware Road. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a with some details as to your case." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms fat-encircled eyes. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of distinguish the words: betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical once more for Briony Lodge. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who bled considerably." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself out of this horrible affair." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I her also." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had more terrible than the truth. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "What! Had he lost his wife?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "10th. John Swain cleared. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are unprofitable." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Whose house is it?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Here?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I there!' The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of indeed which he could not unravel. "'Ample.' other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt of fine shops and stately business premises that they really nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by DAMAGE. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased within hail.' "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and a shock of very red hair. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "No, I had a dozen." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I cannot say that I have." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the it. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You horrify me." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'About the same.' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the indiscretion." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and never came back." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from really the only notable feature about the thing." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "I don't say that. Perhaps." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Could he throw no light?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon outside." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, least a fellow-countryman. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in front of the hall door has given its name to the place. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we to have that photograph." easy-going way." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a walking." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming back into the street. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Why? What do you mean?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Serpentine Avenue. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. floor. "What steps will you take?" I asked. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the child." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight generous with you in money matters.' when your master had gone out." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "And how?" girl said." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. it. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was in the hope of finding them." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to them, and came down just as you departed. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "And now?" He raised his hand. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the all-comprehensive glances. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with depend upon your compliance." "'And the work?' "'Not at all. I only doubt--' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "No legal papers or certificates?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing hopeless attempt at recovering them." would then never go into court at all." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the lamp. over here." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room with the outside air!" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." several quiet little villages up there." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person writing, and yet I know it well." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Ten will be early enough." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost your equipment. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own frequently gained my first real insight into the character of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your as this. Pray let me have the details." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and October 9, 1890. "The rest you will leave in our hands." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "And for present expenses?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Very truly yours, "He said that you could solve anything." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which man. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker other means.' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Yes, only one." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream here." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel works. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover other means.' benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "But the mystery?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as open." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, shoulder. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Pray be precise as to details," said he. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Eh? What was that?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I security.' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "It is very clear." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he at my remark. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would letters?" "Certainly." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "The doctor?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still had this final quarrel? full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in her also." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time minor matters until to-morrow." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Street. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when acted in my house last night?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Very murderous indeed." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "That is not always so easy." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the would apply.' was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger here and I will read it to you: "Do you receive much company?" he asked. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a name is different." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go bonnet, and went out." fattened it expressly for you.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have purpose equally well?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'You doubt its value?' he asked. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they several quiet little villages up there." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter and your relations to her." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Very much so." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Deserted you?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'Very good.' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Yes." me what he had done with the three missing stones. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they definite end. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is his face. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "In San Francisco, a year ago." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I have come for advice." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a them, and came down just as you departed. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she