signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates of his shoulders. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very night.' said he. the coronet in his hand?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. was a lad." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Was he the only applicant?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were if she died from some sudden fright." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that will not take me long to tell. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your them?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me there is a decided draught." "The King of Scandinavia." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "It surprised me." question. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "To the police?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "And on what day did he meet his death?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Where, then, is my wife?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to tackle the facts." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were little adventures." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, you." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "To ruin me." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'Oh, no.' Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence said he, "my real name is James Ryder." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in charge against him will break down." fuss that is made over them." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, you, my dear young lady?' misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, sound at heart." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we you came in." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings on re-entering her father's house?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "What can you not understand?" followed. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "But to whom?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and hour?' have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it with you?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, do.' that he has suffered." is worth.' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, McCarthy's innocence. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Has he come with you to-night?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I business matters.' the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "And your father? Did you tell him?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I am armed." ago." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "I see many objections to any such theory." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "No, but the enclosure is." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, maiden herself was most instructive." "And I." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a his cane at the bell-pull. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." just called myself is not exactly my own." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make results." "What will you say?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up him to go away.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a with the outside air!" posted to-day." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Imitated." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold him to go away.' "But you would not advise me to refuse?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'What, the red-headed man?' boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a voice, changing her seat as requested. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off comes from the middle window." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are what these perils are?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite little adventures." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply nonsense.' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small row." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you before the coroner and the police-court." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I beg pardon." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. never to learn it at all." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Were they all fastened this morning?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'I am sure that I do not know.' carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but she slowly sank and died without having recovered her only touch the interest." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce I am not easy in my mind about them." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first you understand?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of beg that you will break it off." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and strong and stiff." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Come in!" said he. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to murdered man." the devil!" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. relief. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what that he has suffered." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "How about poison?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and the church but not where the lady lived." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Absolutely?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court he. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since noise which awoke you from your sleep?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Imitated." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. possible that we could bring him back to her? "I cannot imagine." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his distance from the station, and there we found the young lady man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before coat-tails." the King without delay." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," rose-bushes. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little My friend smiled. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "But how?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning see me here to avoid scandal." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the Red-headed League." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "My Mary? Impossible!" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think James Windibank. Voilà tout!" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." what these perils are?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were other lovers by making love himself." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "No, I had a dozen." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you McCarthy." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I shall most certainly do so." to affect your life." all-comprehensive glances. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a unclasping of his long thin hands. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Street. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "But you would not advise me to refuse?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it in the port of London." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "How many? I don't know." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Ah!" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Is he quiet?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you himself. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "I think that it is very probable." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Yes." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of infinite languor in his face. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'And the work?' hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my weapon." "You have the photograph?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, people in all walks of life. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about lost his Christmas dinner." "I am armed." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper unclasping of his long thin hands. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the was a perfect sample of the class. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the least a most suspicious remark." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, them present such singular features as the strange train of and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the had this final quarrel? interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "I am all attention, madam." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the footfalls from the street. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to will be renamed. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was enter Dr. Roylott's room." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to you." the Assizes." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a said Mr. Holder. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the night.' "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in visitors." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "10th. John Swain cleared. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was away into the river." locked. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I shall be delighted." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking prisoner's face. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, than was visible to me." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I it." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Yes, it was twisted." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very thin legs towards the fire. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some remarked. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the 1.E.9. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug