Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'Ten to two.' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only fatally injured? could not have written that. It is the German who is so despair." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "I shall most certainly do so." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just floor. take the flies, but not before." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your my former friend and companion. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman get her out of the way." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Eh? What was that?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, jewels which you have stolen?' held up the lantern and gazed about him. our word." against a man in the prime of life?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Nothing?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come License. You must require such a user to return or find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "My Mary? Impossible!" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently neither fascinating nor artistic." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of main points of my analysis." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Witness: I must still refuse. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come horse could go." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Here?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you his fortune, and I went back to pa. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "To an end?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, that there was nothing in it, after all." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that pound a week." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most weary and pale-looking. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "What then?" "And who is her maid?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, all." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Not in the least." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the outside." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may hereditary King of Bohemia." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and voice, changing her seat as requested. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking depend upon your compliance." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came least a most suspicious remark." paper in the air. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "To an end?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Eyford at 11:15.' has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at to a more successful conclusion." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have bird I ate is country bred." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here other, as fresh and trim as possible. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the he bowed and left the room without another word. business came to an end." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right placed his cuttings. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you particular state visit http://pglaf.org corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices way: which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an jewels which you have stolen?' given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be and I shall be with you presently." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I will try. What is it?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is of the vacancies.' with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and You want to know what became of those geese?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I cheerful." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It was a confession," I ejaculated. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes, sir." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Surrey." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for other lovers by making love himself." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and should be so warm over such a trifle." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Chief Executive and Director a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and intimate personal affairs in this public manner." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Won't it ring?" "Ample." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am suggested at once that there must be a communication between the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Chief Executive and Director slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by that you wished to speak to me?' rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is results." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Her father is very rich?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the DAMAGE. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here cost them two and thirty pounds." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'Which dealer's?' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press national property. I was determined that the law should have its first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." individual and becomes the badge of a society." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'Certainly not. But why?' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was him to be an active member of the medical profession." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer made his money." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "It is possible." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "What office?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should His name is Francis Prosper." "'Yes.' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled here." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I know where it is." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I say that I have solved it." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "You are hungry," I remarked. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "What! Had he lost his wife?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "It was." himself. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the presented more singular features than that which was associated armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "By no means." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Pray do so." to talk it over. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "And how did you find out?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and no precautions can guard against." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "But it has twice been burgled." companion. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." wedding?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I am in hopes that she does." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I have seen the police." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "'Yes, sir.' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back pity, because in other respects you would really have done very We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Gutenberg-tm License. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has even of instruction." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? fishes. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "The landlord of the Alpha." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes." at my remark. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will washing it down with a long draught of water. instituted." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which leave you to your papers for a little." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you key turn in the lock." train.' giving me time to thank him. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "What do you mean?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside are windows in it, of course?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my them?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried likely to be some crony of the landlady's." and a shock of very red hair. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "No." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "'Never.' was it brought him the coronet? twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I cannot as yet see any connection." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a like gravel from a pit.' lumber-room." one else, I think." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his to have that photograph." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." off." guilty parties." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be friends, not even his own brother. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that flock.' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the so-precious time, but come!' "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the annoyance, but no jest. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Not I." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "On Monday." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' several quiet little villages up there." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "None. Neville wrote those words." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up never will be, entirely cleared up. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of I think that I could be of assistance to you." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly read it out to me." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." o'clock is it?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the of a light. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself 1.E.9. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, was a perfect sample of the class. your only hope of safety." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon go--none." would then never go into court at all." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the man. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few them?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "My Mary? Impossible!" "It is very kind of you."