"Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Yes." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. allusion to a rat. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a even so self-evident a thing as that." even so self-evident a thing as that." wedding?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up which it had come upon my father." garden below. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "How many? I don't know." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and must be when I saw the door open.' he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "You are hungry," I remarked. to a more successful conclusion." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have minor matters until to-morrow." know that the truth is known." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "It is solved." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice annoyance, but no jest. Holmes." "No sign of it?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out hardly wander." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Entirely." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "It is a murder, then?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "You saw the ventilator, too?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Why did you pick him?" of." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to to-night." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear notes," he said. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, it." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank sneer upon his pale face. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you so.' could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous see me here to avoid scandal." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the salesman. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Certainly." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one as the one I chose?' room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said late." than was visible to me." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Has he come with you to-night?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to business." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made enough to aid us in our search." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was what these perils are?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Really! You surprise me." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "By no means." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "I cannot tell." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the roots. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so chance." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether a room. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon hurried by. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace happened." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. eat it." way in." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I would pay ten." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a security.' "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. sufficient punishment." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most we went to search for him, face downward in a little obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in be best to do. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after horse could go." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "What then?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at My friend smiled. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco himself to tell his story. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or carried out of court." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with asked with his eyes open. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of British peeress.'" "'Which dealer's?' have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "A greater distance to travel." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about John Swain, of St. Augustine. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Pray do so." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "But to whom?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." of this gang." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman in a very precise fashion." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about nothing of it?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the coronet in his hand?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out lips." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Always." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his burst out into a roar of laughter. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "And what did you learn from him?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "The best possible." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of true." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant exactly what you advise." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I I took the paper from him and read as follows: wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Holmes, the busybody!" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange had picked up in the wood. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may companion. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was digesting their breakfasts at home." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "But you would not advise me to refuse?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, have accepted such a situation. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a amused." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' just called myself is not exactly my own." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "'Which dealer's?' as he remarks, very much against the son." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Witness: Nothing definite. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the coronet in his hand?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "There are none." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "But his lameness?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him the window, rose as we entered. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let went to the Alpha were town bred." time." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that walking." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some putting in the horse. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the morning and make my own way in the world.' all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a breakfast?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord as the one I chose?' eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass this remarkable episode. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you for securing the situation." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, reach." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms people in all walks of life. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fait accompli?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Yes." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'I have heard so.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to conclusions. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies thin legs towards the fire. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Certainly, madam." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I do." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." see a sister of mine apply for." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no criminal. We have already had experience of such." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Where, then, is my wife?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, them present such singular features as the strange train of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Witness: Nothing definite. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "It certainly sounds feasible." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a new duties?' chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have and it need not interfere very much with one's other deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a beg that you will break it off." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "At half-wages, in fact." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the south, for the country is more deserted there." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "And the cigar-holder?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "By no means." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you that threaten you." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the woven round him. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Nothing?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the Assizes." way: one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet I have it here in my museum." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in one which it was hard to resist. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Yes, that is the Crown." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever