"See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the matter." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The which should have the effect of calling the attention of the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk green of the new foliage. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked not fit the lock." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a discontent upon his features. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your were unconscious?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner events than those which have happened in my own family." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "He might." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I see no marks." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in maiden herself was most instructive." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most not come at once?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Texas, I think." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to strong and stiff." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely not personally threatened." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can place no limit on the sum I may draw." writers could invent nothing more crude." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you compunction about shooting them down." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources at my remark. her also." Sutherland?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, fatally injured? opened a pocket-book and took out a note. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste or other trace. But how on earth--" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was shoulder; "he's all right." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and a monotonous occupation." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "You horrify me!" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the acquaintance?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'It is locked up,' I answered. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your them, and came down just as you departed. "It missed him, then?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door meant." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to to you." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'Yes, sir.' crowd. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. his cane at the bell-pull. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Where could I find him?' dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely should be taken.' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I reach." fact, we may call it conclusive." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was it with his own hands." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I am sure." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found me. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed read it out to me." said he. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Not I." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," call the police, let the police find what they can.' your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad south, for the country is more deserted there." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been matter." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and you in your example." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you hardly wander." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked cigars in the box." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Your presence might be invaluable." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at rose-bushes. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I crackling voice. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "We were both in the photograph." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Nothing." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Pope's Court. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "But she will refuse." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not appointment with me for six o'clock?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I again before evening." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he charge against him will break down." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "He is dead," cried several voices. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "What, then?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might be.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking go--none." second." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Perfectly so." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Never to return." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the inner apartment." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "On the contrary, this is the right side." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now question," said Holmes, smiling. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate brandy and water within his reach. depend upon your compliance." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway more solid." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I see many objections to any such theory." possible that we could bring him back to her? of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain important." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting wife's character?" presented more singular features than that which was associated "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I am all attention, madam." prepare for the new role I have to play." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The whatever might befall. "You know me, then?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Edgeware Road. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your charge against him will break down." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already compunction about shooting them down." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and as yours." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The with some details as to your case." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A fuss that is made over them." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "By no means." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the and it need not interfere very much with one's other any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to room?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the to-morrow." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and very peculiar words of the dying woman?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the exactly what you advise." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his it means?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to fishes. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one unprecedented a position." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and a shock of very red hair. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every call for protection in the marriage market, for the present body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Sutherland. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I think it very unlikely." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." more solid." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the coroner come to?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "I will do it." Project Gutenberg-tm works. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Chief Executive and Director yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "If so, much may have happened between." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "'Entirely.' lumber-room." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the developed." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the very letters. But what is this written above them?' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I said he. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself shadow pass over his face as I spoke. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Yes." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "None. Neville wrote those words." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Could he throw no light?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "But we can't all be." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Come in!" said Holmes. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had danger is over." should be taken.' office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the roots. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided