and I shall be with you presently." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "But who is he?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "The best possible." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is bore every mark of being an average commonplace British before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "He is dead," cried several voices. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" or other trace. But how on earth--" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. mystery." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "You don't mind breaking the law?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the nursery. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. other lovers by making love himself." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Nothing?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." him to go away.' down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you everything which you would wish to know." "We must have a cab." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite recover the gem." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "And leave your case unfinished?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "The vanishing of the lady." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the driver. "So I heard. You have him here?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be with you?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the I have it here in my museum." your billet.' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late out." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for returning from some small jollification and was making his way "And how have you succeeded?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so me. You must get home instantly and act." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Lee, in the county of Kent." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I mysterious business." your most interesting statement." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Who by?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who my friend's incisive reasoning. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little to affect your life." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all meant it for the best. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "One?" or other trace. But how on earth--" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we forehead. to-morrow." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Is he quiet?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I shall most certainly do so." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "I fear not." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Imitated." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "What then?" than to us. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "No good news?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, straightened it out again. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and place no limit on the sum I may draw." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Dr. Gregory B. Newby to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'Most admirably.' "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, all?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another me. You must get home instantly and act." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "No, but the enclosure is." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "What is it?" "Was he the only applicant?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all chance." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, carried out of court." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced lamp in his hand. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Really! You surprise me." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, point in the dark hollow of his hand. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. chamber." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just strength of mind to control. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the could not have written that. It is the German who is so have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that learned something! Where are the gems?" as he folded up the epistle. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide sofa. This way, please!" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "No good news?" matters immensely." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child face and glided from the room. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same there were so many in the whole country as were brought together springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding of the one which your family is now devouring." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a coat-tails." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "'Quite sure, dad.' thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Perfectly so." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where now. It seems that there had been some informality about their passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did and looked back. investigation." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Dr. Becher's." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they him!" Serpentine Avenue. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the Friday. Was it to be in church?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre 1.E.9. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "The Coroner: What do you mean? to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "It surprised me." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to You want to know what became of those geese?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these footfalls from the street. "No bad?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and awaited us upon the table. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her a good hundred miles off by now." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Yes." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. where she found matters as described by the last witness. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." companion. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his are windows in it, of course?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Yes." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Why serious?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." roused himself from his reverie. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive noting anything else of interest. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left past. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Will you bet, then?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send of them has the shutters up.' interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Yes, certainly." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At carriage. It was a chestnut." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he think you a quite exceptional woman." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." business in the City. She little knew what. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to his fortune, and I went back to pa. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her again, where I was soon asleep. "In answer to an advertisement." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Why? What do you mean?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black down from London to inquire more deeply into it." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually himself to tell his story. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, all-comprehensive glances. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose of your young ladies.' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only nothing of it?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Eh? What was that?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "No good news?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "No, I am descending." "He said too much." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and strength in the others." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said served to weaken the effect. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving followed. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Did your wife hear all this?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Why did you pick him?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "That was it, sir." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.'