There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" that, and I came down." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I am to be neutral?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Eh? What was that?" easy-going way." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was 1.E.9. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the What do you deduce from it?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "You have compromised yourself seriously." "The Coroner: What do you mean? higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "You were travelling in the States?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood said Mr. Holder. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the DAMAGE. through." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord had picked up in the wood. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got their singular warning or token before them when starting upon usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated threw himself down with his face to the pillow. to tell." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "'And what salary do you ask?' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature where we are going." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "By train from Waterloo." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to certainly not very gracious." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into distinguish the words: cigars in the box." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations this truth that in these little records of our cases which you money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Oh, yes, easily." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out fuss that is made over them." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, been deceived." a good hundred miles off by now." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll other lovers by making love himself." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. a monotonous occupation." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as was already answered. confronted him. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty where we are going." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily writing, and yet I know it well." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in and all of them with the keenest interest. reach." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that been lifted and conveyed somewhere." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where is four-and-twenty." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good ceremony." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and glanced through. "Then, how do you know?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "To an end?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, letters?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." already referred to. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' nice household for a young lady." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Then how many are there?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were I shall communicate with you." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt there has been an enclosure here!" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a burst out into a roar of laughter. "I don't say that. Perhaps." followed. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and fact, we may call it conclusive." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the matter?" purpose of examination. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'Which dealer's?' Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Have you good authority for what you say?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet there is a decided draught." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Yes, but only for you and me." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he thought that she would have been so carried away." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I correct than the official force." soul! here is her carriage at the door." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Thank you. And your address?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "To an end?" III. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore once more to my work. to me. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness despaired of." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the have accepted such a situation. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? entirely lost his self-respect." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a think, you have already met." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It The note was undated, and without either signature or address. definite end. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "What do you mean?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing yet." detained." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for past. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so some place of shelter and let the county police know what has that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously upon a handsome competence. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my heavily into it. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no I shall communicate with you." suspect him." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Yes, he did." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a asked. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the devil!" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for golden eyeglasses. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "How about poison?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, locked." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the went to the Alpha were town bred." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to take care of herself." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I think that it is very probable." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Well, some hundreds of times." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'Stolen!' he cried. him." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "The best possible." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a what these perils are?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "But we can't all be." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the address that was given us in the advertisement. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was you in yours." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious furiously. details." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" derbies." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer row." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "And now?" I asked. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End whole matter to your consideration." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of or in danger--" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the to-night?" I asked. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his key turn in the lock." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we was not a bird to be seen there. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Murdered?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the morning and make my own way in the world.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know really the only notable feature about the thing." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less not interfere, come what may. You understand?" over here." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I will get her to show me." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "One horse?" interjected Holmes. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'And what salary do you ask?' it means?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each clanging. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Your presence might be invaluable." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in certainly do as you advise." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the do you make of it all?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "But what harm can there be in that?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Count Von Kramm." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "'Most admirably.' wall." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Where could I find him?' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, photograph?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from do you make of it all?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to generous with you in money matters.' the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Yes, that is the Crown." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. think you a quite exceptional woman." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during License. You must require such a user to return or I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made instincts rose up against that laugh. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in fashion which was peculiar to him. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "A call for help, you thought?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a then?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I shall communicate with you." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the best of training." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "It is possible." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Did you observe the colour?"