"Where did he live, then?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "No sign of it?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for acquaintance?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, child?' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man there has been an enclosure here!" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "And you don't know his address?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under thin legs towards the fire. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. husband's writing, madam." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a unprofitable." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Proceed, then." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he indiscretion." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "The Cedars?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet forehead. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an The telegram which we eventually received came late one night premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of promised to bring home. you." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid companion quietly. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I your co-operation." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of business." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a some terrible trap for her." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I in. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my opportunities to fix the problem. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "In the cells." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy think that he is innocent?" "Then he might have called to you?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet of campaign. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." something of him before." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders you, my dear young lady?' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "An enemy?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'And what are they worth?' I asked. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his been lifted and conveyed somewhere." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in get the tickets." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Mary, has deserted me." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" closing the door. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "What I expected to see." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong strength in the others." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Whose house is it?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." before the coroner and the police-court." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across do.' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "When did she vanish, then?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could guilty one." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be she to prove their authenticity?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "That's no good." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Who by?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he sparkled upon his finger. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of with the outside air!" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To interests were the same as his." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked looking up at the numbers of the houses." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "No more words. Get out!" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the call the police, let the police find what they can.' villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should room had already been engaged for us. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "That's no good." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Yes, from Horsham." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and what is your own theory as to what took place?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "A confidential servant?" very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent anything to a woman, for she would have her way." humiliation." papers." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to chance." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Doctor, of the paper and the date." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "It is possible." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and little adventures." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the one as in the other." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact upon the shelf for the interim." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Just look it up, then." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded than to us. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, could gather together that I was able to avert another public rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I came to find a friend." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "The murder was done with it." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "In answer to an advertisement." to have been novel and of interest." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence thought that she would have been so carried away." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature my little problems." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss which we had just quitted. morning." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "But who is he?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and think that he is innocent?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "At what time?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the child." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my tail." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I was afraid that you were engaged." woman." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it I have it here in my museum." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Clair, of Lee." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Where to?' I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, there has been an enclosure here!" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet have had none more fantastic than this." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love look dissatisfied." comes from the middle window." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I conclusions. whatever might befall. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled other, as fresh and trim as possible. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done asked with his eyes open. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "No, I am descending." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant even so self-evident a thing as that." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. least a most suspicious remark." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was six. Come in!" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense prisoner's face. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "But you can know nothing of this?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Stoke Moran." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left McCarthy." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'And what salary do you ask?' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend absolutely follow my advice in every respect." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a highroad, where all traces were lost. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There happened." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "What then?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" cost them two and thirty pounds." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. McCarthy." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the outside." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am introspective fashion. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his during the last few years, and there are many noble families to uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Holmes' thin, eager face. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Yes, from Horsham."