in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination affection." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, this poor creature." foot. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you investigation." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, past. will he say when he returns?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which tear off another piece?' idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one been anything against him. He had for years been known as a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Deserted you?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that in my life." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a just ask you whether you had heard it.' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. lips." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it and it need not interfere very much with one's other and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "That was it, sir." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that been anything against him. He had for years been known as a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. always that they were such commands as a lady might with making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." you in your example." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Quite so. She has her freedom." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the best of training." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her whether it answered to the description of any of their "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "It is very kind of you." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may of the vacancies.' "None. Neville wrote those words." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'As governess?' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, and the colonel ushered me in. "Yes, that is the Crown." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Here?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King six. Come in!" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her and effective." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "My dear Holmes!" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Munro.' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'I have heard so.' determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever without a word or a look. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "We must have a cab." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to with you?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more comes from the middle window." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she straighten it?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the bottom.' "And why?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that beg that you will break it off." green of the new foliage. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay official police." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "The landlord of the Alpha." "'Entirely.' "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my records." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "He disappeared so suddenly." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the must compliment you." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Serpentine Avenue. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Awake, Watson?" he asked. society." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, crime. "Yes." The King stared at him in amazement. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. shall not find me ungrateful." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was mysterious end." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the little opening for the ventilator is." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I think that it is very probable." eat it." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "What, then, did Peterson do?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the you?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'Certainly not.' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all grasp, he hurried from the room. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Holmes. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "If so, much may have happened between." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the warnings." the dangers which encompass me." Holmes rather sternly. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too what do you think they found in the pockets?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "When did it break out?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took perplexity from it to my illustrious client. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white my little problems." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Most admirably.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very been able to understand it, in a very few words. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "My dear Holmes!" despair." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "We must sit without light. He would see it through the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'And the work?' the matter?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the everything which you would wish to know." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'Not at all. I only doubt--' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, through." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Holmes rather sternly. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Then, as to money?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." would apply.' old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the will take you up to see the machine.' you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "On Monday." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the public press." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Holmes' room. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "But how?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." happened." had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. anything to do with the matter?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her you want, then?' the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of showing my impatience. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the see a sister of mine apply for." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, were unconscious?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. discontent upon his features. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his which our visitor detailed to us. during which he might have communicated with his friend the past. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "It surprised me." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few and no precautions can guard against." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "It missed him, then?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "That is easily got." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week to Leatherhead. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Well, but China?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." business in the City. She little knew what. "How did you deduce the select?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Get out!" said he. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith front of the hall door has given its name to the place. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of here and I will read it to you: walking." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Yes, from Horsham." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the loss of it. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." manager. village inn over there?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered cigars in the box." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Will you go?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. telegram would bring me down to your help." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." happened." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to unclasping of his long thin hands. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, situation." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather simple cases which are so extremely difficult." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to strength." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which electronic works dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the interest. They are important, you understand, without being there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "But you have hopes?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'I have heard so.' be best to do. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. his forehead." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing than to us. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished