man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'Where to?' eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every important." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "But you can know nothing of this?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." you in your example." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. chemical work which was so dear to him. is four-and-twenty." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." was keenly on my guard against him. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence You can understand that this register and diary may implicate hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day appointment with me for six o'clock?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you you." "Yes." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "To an English lawyer named Norton." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court that I am arrested." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I know where it is." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, What do you deduce from it?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Yes, it would be as well." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported answered with a sidelong glance. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Does that suggest anything?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Yes, it was twisted." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said asked with his eyes open. will he say when he returns?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that gone. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This The summons was a brief and urgent one. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an good for you to do.' dates and names. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand shoulder. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "On the contrary, this is the right side." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "'Certainly not.' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not since then to throw any light upon what became of him." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "I am still in the dark." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to-night's adventure." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "This concluded the examination of the witness." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "What, then, did Peterson do?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Not in a good cause." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and What do you deduce from it?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was voice. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society touch that coronet?' "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for more terrible than the truth. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a away to you." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "What will you do, then?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "At half-wages, in fact." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "What then?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining was shining brightly. begun to whiten, even as mine has." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on derbies." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may wedding?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. over here." than to us. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she and put his glass in his pocket. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and wait." know that the truth is known." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my page at http://pglaf.org and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "And your mother is alive?" "I am following you closely," I answered. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I be sorry for having acted so harshly." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "We must have a cab." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, said I. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a way: well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" towards the blaze. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, writing, and yet I know it well." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "It must be recovered." "You have a clue?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "And for present expenses?" head. So long, then!" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Not him." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps in my life." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But roused himself from his reverie. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Quite so." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of cause to be." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question served to weaken the effect. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have father's young wife. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "No good news?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in sneer upon his pale face. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "But we can't all be." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'I have heard so.' of a light. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there back alive. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Pope's Court. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." rose-bushes. "I cannot say that I have." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is it right.' then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was taking in every detail of the apartment. letters?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "And why?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "And your father? Did you tell him?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Yes, that is the Crown." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "That is unusual in a young girl." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "No. His orders were to stay in the house." My friend smiled. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Thank you. And your address?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "My opinion is in no way altered." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she even so self-evident a thing as that." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "You saw the ventilator, too?" voice. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made back alive. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried nonsense.' fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but you." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself the devil!" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to miss it." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story photograph?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in there." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "She walked into the breakfast-room." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted yet." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of to-night." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an both be extremely obliged.' With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in I am not easy in my mind about them." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'I am sure if I had known--' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Perhaps I have." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If villagers almost as much as their master. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the formed some opinion?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Did you become engaged then?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Precisely." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low details." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Yes, the wine-cellar." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "You were travelling in the States?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, again before evening." stalked out of the room. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have astonishment. ourselves in the office." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until there was no need for father to know." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Yes, sir." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition quickly through a disagreeable task. a little more before I quite committed myself. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I roused himself from his reverie. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the been shamefully used." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We what I may call a really hard day's work." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a a monotonous occupation." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and are, I think, all that we need." the date of his supposed suicide." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes has little to do with my story." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were note?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." what do you think they found in the pockets?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the It may be so in this case, also." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Countess of Morcar's?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of quite distinctive." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which was feeling which was the fattest.' nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always looking up at the numbers of the houses." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "What steps will you take?" I asked. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock guilty one." where she found matters as described by the last witness. tension within him. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "But how will you look?" giving me time to thank him. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "What have you to say now?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner,