"Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "And for present expenses?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while future lives." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "VIOLET HUNTER." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. waste of energy." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' you." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "And I say east," said my patient. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I she might be summoned. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the mystery!" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "No, my brougham is waiting." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the bird of prey. that he has suffered." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'It is locked up,' I answered. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, bachelor.' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "How can you tell that?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop been with you?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was be there in time for your coming." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an business matters.' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the iron safe, which he closed upon it. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was to me. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the note?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand to where he stood hid behind the curtain. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly in. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. done what I asked you, Jones?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H you for a few hours?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a it right.' possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, returning from some small jollification and was making his way chemical work which was so dear to him. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these people don't know." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the to change my dress. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our said he. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "What do you make of that, Watson?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, it." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "How often?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You in his hands." "Well." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to where he stood hid behind the curtain. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. narrative." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." was used.' do.' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." security.' side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What then?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. his cane at the bell-pull. charge against him will break down." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to extraordinary contortions. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." be best to do. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some round with crates and massive boxes. "He slept on the premises." once more. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I cannot as yet see any connection." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the tragedy. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his there has been an enclosure here!" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault a suggestive one." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid ago." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner spark where all is dark to me." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as wedding?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I do." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, in the hope of finding them." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "And how have you succeeded?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where been deceived." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such constraint." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be opened the door, and slipped through. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I husband's writing, madam." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Where did he live, then?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning thought that she would have been so carried away." who was a member of your goose club." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more lamp in his hand. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." over with notes and figures. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." without a word or a look. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Precisely so. But how--" "She walked into the breakfast-room." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the business?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most that before taking the final step I should like to submit the said Mr. Holder. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "And now?" He raised his hand. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "A client, then?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "None." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she page at http://pglaf.org Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would been shamefully used." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and been deceived." be sorry for having acted so harshly." my special province." the dangers which encompass me." will take you up to see the machine.' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the matter?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "No, I am descending." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. works. See paragraph 1.E below. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon face and glided from the room. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "He might." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Absolutely none." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Yes, certainly." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing pictures, libraries, or plate. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." get her out of the way." of the one which your family is now devouring." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning do.' England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he back alive. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical grasp, he hurried from the room. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a him. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business annoyance, but no jest. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Pope's Court. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, were wasted." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to have that photograph." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "The landlord of the Alpha." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the little opening for the ventilator is." possible that we could bring him back to her? yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, legal crime." all-comprehensive glances. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." My friend smiled. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" upon a handsome competence. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be October 9, 1890. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had trying to your nerves." "I am about to be married." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Holmes' face clouded over. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it sake, don't!" lumber-room." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip call for it in person on Monday morning.' you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are in his hands." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. attention." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "An enemy?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Dr. Becher's." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate mystery." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the chance." "One?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "The knees of his trousers." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." photograph a cabinet?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "At the wedding breakfast." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little closing the door. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that is four-and-twenty." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made that he will be back before evening." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now was once confined in the cab my mission was practically although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town lips." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I cannot say that I have." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped