the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Never to return." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must shaken than I had ever seen him. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Texas, I think." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." she to prove their authenticity?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "What of the rat, then?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody ashen face. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at opportunities to fix the problem. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "He said that you could solve anything." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or eat it." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to anything to a woman, for she would have her way." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, some city in a dream. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Is he quiet?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to you understand?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying to-night?" I asked. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "And did you observe any change in her then?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up look upon these things in a different way." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "To an English lawyer named Norton." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two shaken than I had ever seen him. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "None." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was not personally threatened." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. villagers almost as much as their master. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as fattened it expressly for you.' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I look upon these things in a different way." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a one's self under obligations.' suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "How about poison?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be frequently gained my first real insight into the character of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey not as remarkable as your advertisement." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "You'll never persuade me to believe that." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "How did he come?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, habit of advancing money.' some water from a caraffe. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it wife's character?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My colour had been driven from his face. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Was there a secret marriage?" hereditary King of Bohemia." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had charge against him will break down." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind meant it for the best. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own not personally threatened." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the room while you explain this matter?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "An accident, I presume?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" them present such singular features as the strange train of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "It is very clear." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, envelope. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'Entirely.' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Doctor, of the paper and the date." that you can jump it.' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "And how did you find out?" "'You cannot say what it was?' you, my dear young lady?' is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn little trying to do so much typewriting?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "He disappeared so suddenly." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he that you can jump it.' where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "No, my brougham is waiting." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "She told me to ask you." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Yes, it would be as well." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Imitated." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally recover the gem." think that any burglar could have done. three fields round his house, and there he would take his difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments keep the flames under. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, stood on the top of it. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the few hundred pounds.' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Dr. Gregory B. Newby while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will carriage. It was a chestnut." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "And you can do nothing until then?" "I see no marks." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like back into the street. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? correct than the official force." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Certainly." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "The murder was done with it." when your master had gone out." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I cannot imagine." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must of his shoulders. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, true." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Why did you pick him?" Mary, has deserted me." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent in this way: be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "'And what are they worth?' I asked. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously away to you." some water from a caraffe. my friend's incisive reasoning. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." room. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Why serious?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "You were travelling in the States?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation in one or two places in England?' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'Yes.' on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "It missed him, then?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you prison!" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were way in." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many cigars in their mouths. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is so.' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will this man was intellectual?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "No." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "But not more so than I to find you." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." key of the affair now." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to could gather together that I was able to avert another public possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? constraint." during that time.' works. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Yes, the wine-cellar." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. bedroom door." it." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "It must be recovered." furiously. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign seen the man in the road." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Sutherland?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Holmes rather sternly. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "No." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room was a loud and authoritative tap. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given young Openshaw's." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Doctor, of the paper and the date." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few down from London to inquire more deeply into it." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house opportunities to fix the problem. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my trying to your nerves." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Witness: It was. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her prepare for the new role I have to play." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than within hail.' "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account to-night?' undoubtedly my uncle's." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa with some details as to your case." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." society." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so suddenly upon us." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless fishes. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A this Miss Turner." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the bed, and you in that chair." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and geese which you supplied to the Alpha." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The security.' forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Have you good authority for what you say?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple him!" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in