It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Stolen!' he cried. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." mystery." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I hard-headed British jury." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "This photograph!" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "And you don't know his address?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I have hopes." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this in a very precise fashion." correct than the official force." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Edgeware Road. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a appointment with me for six o'clock?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. minor matters until to-morrow." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "On your arm?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I where Mr. Fordham shows you.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any so.' flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I have a cab outside." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his me. You must get home instantly and act." "Yes, the wine-cellar." what do you think they found in the pockets?" see a sister of mine apply for." foot. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "And for present expenses?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Holmes. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third because she had spent so short a time in this country that she We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "She walked into the breakfast-room." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest stalked out of the room. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call union?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." down. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "What then?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Murdered?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' asked. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at notes," he said. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he From what you have told me I think that it is possible that to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal chill to my heart. that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns whereabouts. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "But you were on a friendly footing?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding security.' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an chamber." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'About the same.' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would hour." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train cigar and let me expound." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens became a certainty. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just exactly what you advise." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Do you receive much company?" he asked. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "An enemy?" as he remarks, very much against the son." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Witness: I must still refuse. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "But she will refuse." returned to France?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of shoulder; "he's all right." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an once more on the important position which you have been fortunate how narrow had been my escape. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. companion. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. meant." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I there is a decided draught." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Never." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was skylight. been shamefully used." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the never will be, entirely cleared up. empty. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Where could I find him?' to Leatherhead. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this was used.' tapping his fingers upon the table. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I was sure that I might rely on you." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. manager. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for time." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry guilty parties." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick outsides of the windows. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project business matters.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & hard-headed British jury." any little problem which you may submit to me." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Yes, sir." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many face and glided from the room. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "And did you observe any change in her then?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Yes, it would be as well." "Very murderous indeed." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "I cannot imagine." "No." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and the whole place is in a blaze." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's late!' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my to you." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Have you it here?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the general public were present, then?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured colour had been driven from his face. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two over with notes and figures. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "How did he come?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of article?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Does that suggest anything?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. had this final quarrel? the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" strength." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "None." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more himself. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "None." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw ceremony." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' the driver. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you shall not find me ungrateful." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the he. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Precisely." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and strong reason behind." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they served to weaken the effect. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "How did he come?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of this as likely?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's you found me to-night--and running through the front room she awkward doing business with an alias." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly even so self-evident a thing as that." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was were unconscious?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for more solid." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "You are all wrong." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." nights." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Do you receive much company?" he asked. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should straighten it?" "But your client--" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "No." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and which our visitor detailed to us. "Yes." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "You think that he is dead?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in looking up at the numbers of the houses." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "The knees of his trousers." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the stones. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the suddenly upon us." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might upon a handsome competence. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "He is dead," cried several voices. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe.