there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' problems help me to do so." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'How far from the body?' constraint." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, events, Mr. Windibank!" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Married! When?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his society." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed washing it down with a long draught of water. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in letters?" than to us. "At the wedding breakfast." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have as this. Pray let me have the details." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Henry Baker is a member." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her hour." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'Quite sure, dad.' "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is affection." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. and it need not interfere very much with one's other day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in walking." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "What!" he roared. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he copied or distributed: However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "My stepfather's business papers." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" notes," he said. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "9th. McCauley cleared. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'And the work?' "You saw the ventilator, too?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'Oh, no.' to take care of herself." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for fire. You quite follow me?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an on re-entering her father's house?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned this unhappy family?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A he died? wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one there is a decided draught." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "My dear Holmes!" "But not more so than I to find you." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I would pay ten." train.' than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'Ten to two.' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always how narrow had been my escape. "In heaven's name, what for?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but your room." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sneer upon his pale face. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. used to be." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I out." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? forehead. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which the inquest, and which are worth considering." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and read it out to me." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was speckled band?" "No bad?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers chance." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your window when the police appeared." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "So I heard. You have him here?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it morning." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I purpose of examination. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Yes, it would be as well." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Have you it here?" look dissatisfied." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Deserted you?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my following enigmatical notices: the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped any little problem which you may submit to me." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the spare." maid will bring up your coffee." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "It goes to the housekeeper's room." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking present." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "By no means." becomes even more simple." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old your most interesting statement." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his you." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case sufficient punishment." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the cigars in their mouths. could gather together that I was able to avert another public brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the station." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of in. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the returning from some small jollification and was making his way for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and furiously. knowledge of the world." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" business in the City. She little knew what. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. you give your casting vote to?" conclusions. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Holmes." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is joking. "Precisely." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his recall any case within my experience which looked at the first who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "The gentleman I describe." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to bare slabs of marble. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only like that before?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "What are they?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked all?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "How did you trace it, then?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Absolutely none." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "And is that all?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Of what?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it highroad, where all traces were lost. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by is entirely a question of barometric pressure." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these of Fenchurch Street." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I will do it." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would golden eyeglasses. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," American. Then who could this American be, and why should he James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I more terrible than the truth. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "You are all wrong." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire just ask you whether you had heard it.' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "That is also quite modern," said the lady. tapping his fingers upon the table. unkempt, staring out at me. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite you came in." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, writer." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." nonsense.' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip gone before you can get him to hospital." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Certainly." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it DISSOLVED. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "If I can be of use." remarked. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three business?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "I am to be neutral?" sofa. This way, please!" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope and shall probably return to London by the evening train." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he heavy and sharp instrument." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "You think so, too?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Two days later this same performance was gone through under plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a heavy and sharp instrument." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. shaken than I had ever seen him. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "It is very kind of you." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "But how did you gain them?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose over with notes and figures. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'A dozen yards or so.' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an went to the Alpha were town bred." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I don't believe it." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly past. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' whether it answered to the description of any of their order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the experiences." note?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no throat." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'Very good.' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. wife's character?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled pierced for earrings?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope License. You must require such a user to return or not fit the lock." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "You know me, then?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was are windows in it, of course?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "No, I think that I'll take it." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and the church but not where the lady lived." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a way in." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the night.' said he. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes useful material for showing traces. The double line a little manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which door?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a