"It is his hat." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it bled considerably." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Then the page we have seen--" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission maiden herself was most instructive." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I think it very unlikely." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Have you it here?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Absolutely none." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp redistribution. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "ARAT," I read. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "He might." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would delighted to hear it," he said. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his have got?" second window is the one that I jumped from." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Do you go out much in society?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for he. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "I know where it is." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "My photograph." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to I shall continue with my miserable story. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked train.' important." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how your Highness to the police-station?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots once more on the important position which you have been fortunate society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running bird I ate is country bred." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "About a month then." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide man. I know him from the photograph." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. be.' "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the III. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by again, where I was soon asleep. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Yes." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "And leave your case unfinished?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his as the one I chose?' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I discontent upon his features. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when not personally threatened." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life forebodings. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Not in a good cause." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Eh? What was that?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man DAMAGE. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very 1.F. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter matters immensely." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "And sit in the dark?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any your bag." matters immensely." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Of what day?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here amused." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came I shall communicate with you." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case for the market.' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to have not had my rubber." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "And is that all?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man do.' the coroner come to?" 1.F. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, are windows in it, of course?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his better in every way that they should make their position a little half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with that you saw all that I did." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our conduct the inquiry." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for said I. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in of his shoulders. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss anything to do with the matter?" nights." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I will do it." where we are going." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for may never be exposed to such a temptation." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Yes, the wine-cellar." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "No bad?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the coronet in his hand?" tell them apart.' "Deserted you?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. I held the little printed slip to the light. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Which are?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I wedding?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. that you saw all that I did." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "What will you say?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. must compliment you." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "One of the highest in England." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy most interesting one." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "But your client--" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. prisoner's face. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Your French gold?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have train.' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I am not easy in my mind about them." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for which was all perfectly true. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Witness: It was. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was their singular warning or token before them when starting upon passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little attention." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from better grown goose." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and DAMAGE. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose giving me time to thank him. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the national property. I was determined that the law should have its eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have cigars in the box." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew not come at once?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Absolutely none." stammered. my secret was safe in his possession. I. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. prison!" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling lamp in his hand. better grown goose." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a begun to whiten, even as mine has." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. rooms." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that thin, with a long, sharp nose?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever carried out of court." know that the truth is known." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had useful material for showing traces. The double line a little observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Very. But will he see it?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a meanly of me." "Yes." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in you found me to-night--and running through the front room she were wasted." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Was she in good spirits?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "What I expected to see." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been to have that photograph." McCarthy's innocence. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently conversation I have gathered that they have been married about red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a paper in the air. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his copied or distributed: the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "That's no good." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her him!" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the several quiet little villages up there." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard fasten all the windows?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to electronic works That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we way in." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the night.' that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "The King of Scandinavia." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Surrey." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of him to go away.' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to surprise her." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "But of what society?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Bought." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his to have been novel and of interest." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "The murder was done with it." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "But who is he?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "It's nothing of the kind." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the so-precious time, but come!' least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "'As governess?' promised to bring home. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he ourselves in the office." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Yes." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her little trying to do so much typewriting?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent she used." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's seven miles from Eyford Station.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or your room." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "'Oh, no.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the following enigmatical notices: "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his murdered man." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through you." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Very much so." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "And leave your case unfinished?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for pressing in one house as in another. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his