in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as there in twenty minutes." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the little opening for the ventilator is." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. girl said." "To an English lawyer named Norton." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long entirely lost his self-respect." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "How on earth--" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which it. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "And you thought he was pulled back?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind my former friend and companion. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the so-precious time, but come!' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the loss of it. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't done what I asked you, Jones?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was James Windibank. Voilà tout!" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Yes, sir." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "But what is it you wish?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a maiden herself was most instructive." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, business." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Yes?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the station." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Were they all fastened this morning?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Will you go?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her wedding?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the galvanised. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "In San Francisco, a year ago." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the was feeling which was the fattest.' "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any as the one I chose?' narrative." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Pray let us have it, for all that." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I interest. They are important, you understand, without being when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I to a light-house. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a situation." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those of fine shops and stately business premises that they really that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Absolutely none." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting was keenly on my guard against him. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "He said that you could solve anything." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came garden below. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Not social, then?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened she used." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "And Miss Sutherland?" "It is half-past ten now." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "By train from Waterloo." and wait." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "What is it, then--a fire?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is hurried by. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Where did you address your letters, then?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "None." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector one of them." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "But his left-handedness." have not had my rubber." any little problem which you may submit to me." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" occurred." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with persecution?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Leadenhall Street--and--" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a could go. telegram would bring me down to your help." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" already referred to. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project entirely devoid of interest." touch that coronet?' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, business came to an end." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small other, as fresh and trim as possible. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear occurred." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. amused." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would what do you think they found in the pockets?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the inquest, and which are worth considering." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "A greater distance to travel." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Why serious?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "And how?" "But you have hopes?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in them present such singular features as the strange train of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Here?" investigation." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune useful material for showing traces. The double line a little that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong 1.E.9. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white indeed which he could not unravel. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote which we had just quitted. during that time.' whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" stood on the top of it. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and other, as fresh and trim as possible. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. man. been shamefully used." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Murdered?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Seven!" I answered. "I have a cab outside." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "If so, much may have happened between." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "How on earth--" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Were they all fastened this morning?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "By no means." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and think that he is innocent?" "It was." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Precisely." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "He is still with you, I presume?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. might help us?" chemical work which was so dear to him. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated said I. "My last client of the sort was a king." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the leave you to your papers for a little." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Why did you beat the pavement?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "BALLARAT." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "It looks newer than the other things?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard fait accompli?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. friend's singular character. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "So I am. Very much so." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "So I am. Very much so." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "'How far from the body?' an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood in one or two places in England?' will be renamed. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may made him keep the appointment." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I think that it is very probable." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "So it appears." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the that he has suffered." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to just called myself is not exactly my own." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I see no marks." made his money." whatever might befall. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in you in your example." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the miles off. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived at a side door. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the running down." mystery!" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my their singular warning or token before them when starting upon it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." shoulder; "he's all right." "That is it on the dressing-table." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my six. Come in!" about here speaks of his kindness to him." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Yes." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and flock.' "What?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Yes, sir."