"The Coroner: What did you understand by that? and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet nonsense.' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very carpenter." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "'You cannot say what it was?' "I am still in the dark." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked might help us?" cost them two and thirty pounds." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of is acting for the best. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time pierced for earrings?" digesting their breakfasts at home." nonsense.' the salesman. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, both be extremely obliged.' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I would give my fortune to have them back." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Then, as to money?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Street. you?' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Witness: Nothing definite. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from cigar and let me expound." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I would give my fortune to have them back." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two lamp in his hand. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "What is it, then--a fire?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he correct than the official force." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "My dear Holmes!" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. straightened it out again. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious little trying to do so much typewriting?" The King stared at him in amazement. joking. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," or other trace. But how on earth--" said he. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I cannot tell." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into very peculiar words of the dying woman?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the one as in the other." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of fattened it expressly for you.' Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "I say that I have solved it." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Did he not advertise?" stood on the top of it. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The manager. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the towards the blaze. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked system of imprisonment?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the nursery. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Then, how do you know?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the Red-headed League." individual and becomes the badge of a society." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'No, I know no one in these parts.' met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce danger is over." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." his huge brown hands. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. seven miles from Eyford Station.' you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" his knees, staring into the fire. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United to-night?' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have interested in these little problems, and since you are good "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a four million human beings all jostling each other within the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have excitement. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the only touch the interest." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I cannot as yet see any connection." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Come in!" said he. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of which our visitor detailed to us. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. look dissatisfied." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something your sleep?' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself attention." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I cannot say that I have." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "But she will refuse." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "But your client--" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly completely overtopped every other consideration that we both been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and discontent upon his features. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most crime." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Mrs. Toller serenely. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is get the tickets." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such back into the street. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "In answer to an advertisement." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots showing my impatience. The King stared at him in amazement. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own becomes even more simple." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was The summons was a brief and urgent one. formed some opinion?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of waste of energy." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I will get her to show me." enough to aid us in our search." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our footfalls from the street. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Married! When?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "But his lameness?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the best of training." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he other means.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "It was an hour's good drive." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which triumphant cloud from his cigarette. place of silver." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a which was all perfectly true. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and might help us?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. second." leaning back in his chair. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait October 9, 1890. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the my little problems." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon garden below. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "It is solved." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Perhaps we may make them less so." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "And is that all?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. something of him before." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert returned to France?" that you saw all that I did." forbidden door. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him that you can jump it.' "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "What then?" power." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "It is a murder, then?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'And the work?' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy voice. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I will, Miss Turner." IS "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite only touch the interest." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in this note: The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the never will be, entirely cleared up. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the returned to France?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the might have a private word with us. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'What are you doing there?' he asked. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching instituted." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, dramatic, in fact." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the night.' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I do." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Ah!" yet." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Then, how do you know?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated you in your example." woman." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull of Fenchurch Street." to talk it over. is now desirous of getting those letters back." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands in one or two places in England?' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. himself to tell his story. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are matter." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his good for you to do.' "What!" he roared. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I man. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen fled together." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Never to return." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at hour?' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Where does the thing come from?' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "It is half-past ten now." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Ten will be early enough." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I approached. three of the beryls in it, was missing. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is easy-going way." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, bled considerably." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." like that before?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in that you can jump it.' do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one true." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he as this. Pray let me have the details." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Certainly." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "And you can do nothing until then?" "But he might be a bachelor." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me to his chemical studies. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.'