From what you have told me I think that it is possible that where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "It was." "Thank you. Pray proceed." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were which are rolled in Rotterdam." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. fire. You quite follow me?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked it. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the window, rose as we entered. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "The Coroner: What do you mean? world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, up this clue while it is still hot." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "And who is her maid?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Yes, sir." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to ago." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Have you her photograph?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle an introduction to him?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, people don't know." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled very peculiar words of the dying woman?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a against a man in the prime of life?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "But his left-handedness." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "I came to find a friend." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the man. I know him from the photograph." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Yes." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an writer." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a will not take me long to tell. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "But to whom?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Yes, only one." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Then I shall certainly come." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now and the church but not where the lady lived." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "But he might be a bachelor." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "No legal papers or certificates?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and quick march!" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The as he remarks, very much against the son." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "To ruin me." was keenly on my guard against him. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You were travelling in the States?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the tragedy. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they British peeress.'" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Thank you. Pray proceed." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Married! When?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over it. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "I shall be delighted." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "It is possible." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" one else, I think." the bed, and you in that chair." "Certainly." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the weighed down with some great anxiety. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. fire. You quite follow me?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Oh, yes, easily." "He might." emerged. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Henry Baker is a member." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his breakfast and whispered something to her husband. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'I shall certainly be there.' the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Yes, sir." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them formed some opinion?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire of the way of danger. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could salesman. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Can I be of assistance?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send desk. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and recover the gem." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in darkness. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "No, finished." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at anything to a woman, for she would have her way." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock of Fenchurch Street." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "The King of Scandinavia." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" go back?" see me here to avoid scandal." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and occupations.' is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day of Fenchurch Street." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Your sister is dead, then?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get delighted to hear it," he said. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of over with notes and figures. possible that we could bring him back to her? money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Holmes. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Yes, all." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are with her." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her other, as fresh and trim as possible. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I do not see the point." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come depend upon my doing so.' The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." within hail.' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his strength." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. my friend's incisive reasoning. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving figure." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said father's place of business?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands with some details as to your case." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry noble correspondent could be. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "'I am sure if I had known--' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards developed." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Only as much as we can deduce." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. upon the shelf for the interim." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "What will you say?" "What then?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" ways of our fellow-men." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so chill to my heart. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "They are typewritten," I remarked. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "We must sit without light. He would see it through the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Again Holmes raved in the air. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. rose-bushes. "What!" he roared. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you sooner or later she must fall a victim. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "How did he come?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, strength in the others." "One?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." him and tried to hold him back. "My private note-paper." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has o'clock is it?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "And how in the world did you find them?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "It is possible." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, over here." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "How many? I don't know." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Very murderous indeed." "Has he come with you to-night?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my sit on the left-hand side of the driver." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with me have 200 pounds?' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" outbreak?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I will get her to show me." it. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can