greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Why did you pick him?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "You have but to name it." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of emerged. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how brain must have something in it." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the tragedy. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so way in." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the in a very precise fashion." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "'Which dealer's?' mysterious business." you understand?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I will, Miss Turner." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Edgeware Road. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the to Leatherhead. "Indeed! Whose, then?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Certainly." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a said I. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the inner apartment." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding mysterious end." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what leaning back in his chair. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "No, I think that I'll take it." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the weighed down with some great anxiety. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Texas, I think." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "What do you mean?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "One of his hands." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where this remarkable episode. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the had picked up in the wood. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some new acquaintance to Baker Street. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "It is possible." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Holmes. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage rooms." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in to-night?' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge get the tickets." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all matter over." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the it." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems felt?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "And how have you succeeded?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in arms and began to sob in a high treble key. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. weary and pale-looking. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "The Cedars?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Sutherland?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." just called myself is not exactly my own." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Munro.' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "The best possible." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring maiden herself was most instructive." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a and effective." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed you." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "He said that you could solve anything." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "My stepfather's business papers." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Nothing." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "My photograph." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Ah!" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture detective. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of Mr. Rucastle's." "It was." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable said he. quick march!" astonishment. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "It is his hat." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At other, as fresh and trim as possible. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the garden below. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "It is no ordinary one." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever closing the door. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. matters immensely." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "But you have hopes?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. is," said he presently: of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'And the work?' of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp delirious. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading door?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of highly," said Holmes. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and opportunities to fix the problem. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Yes, there are nearly always some there." my room." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I might help us?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Yesterday." into the room. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would to his chemical studies. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies clang of the bell. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said infinite languor in his face. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's disappearance of these gems?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "In heaven's name, what for?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." sufficient punishment." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "My dear Holmes!" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. stammered. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had what is your own theory as to what took place?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in get the tickets." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first have had none more fantastic than this." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." train.' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Henry Baker is a member." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion for and were ordered to this address. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a fuss that is made over them." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange business." "It is no ordinary one." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit in his power. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was I have it here in my museum." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she and put his glass in his pocket. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed some mystery and the punishment of some crime." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He could go. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke crowd. do." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more call for it in person on Monday morning.' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Dark enough and sinister enough." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical hurried by. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical little trying to do so much typewriting?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'Oh, no.' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door man. all that?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I have a cab outside." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" orange pips. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the matter?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. clang of the bell. drawing your inferences." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the Red-headed League." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he whole matter to your consideration." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. who was a member of your goose club." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Then he might have called to you?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Nearly eleven." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at.