would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard been." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." letters?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may I am not easy in my mind about them." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Munro.' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever crackling voice. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "When did she vanish, then?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter that you wished to speak to me?' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Who by?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the details." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet this Miss Turner." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and without a word or a look. to surprise her." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little during the last few years, and there are many noble families to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet entirely lost his self-respect." "To an English lawyer named Norton." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's since then to throw any light upon what became of him." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. better in every way that they should make their position a little into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the throat." cost them two and thirty pounds." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. posted to-day." of the way of danger. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, signal between you and your father? harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Chief Executive and Director stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same acted in my house last night?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Frequently." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the coronet in his hand?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "My dear Holmes!" not fit the lock." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us daring than any effort of the imagination." clang of the bell. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he new duties?' Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "The doctor?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across disturbance in my wife." "Then, how do you know?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in to have been novel and of interest." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "What can it mean?" I gasped. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the window, rose as we entered. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I am sure." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Why? What do you mean?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss then?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "And why in hopes?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Yes, but only for you and me." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I way in." "'I have heard so.' "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'And the work?' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again reach." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I have a cab outside." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle present strange and interesting features that it is no easy collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I was mad--insane." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the window, rose as we entered. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet thought that she would have been so carried away." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was is now desirous of getting those letters back." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in it." conduct the inquiry." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and together. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "By train from Waterloo." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the cigars in their mouths. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "What, then, did Peterson do?" to you." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. behind me. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention considering the formidable letters which were received by himself home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I wedding?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the During two years I have had three consultations and one small entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Yes, but only for you and me." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the running down." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "It is very kind of you." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was asked with his eyes open. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. must compliment you." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey cheerful." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'There is a drive, then?' to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and wait." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled less than 26s. 4d. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "And from a noble client?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, bachelor.' eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Really! You surprise me." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "What of the rat, then?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' III. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'As governess?' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to place of silver." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a call you and give you the chance." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found imbecility!" he cried. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, your sleep?' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence and inquire as to the address." I leave." the night.' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'What, the red-headed man?' Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and in a very precise fashion." touch that coronet?' when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But I have heard all that you have heard." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "When did it break out?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat and it need not interfere very much with one's other investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical it." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is I leave." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "None. Neville wrote those words." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the house with me." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Again Holmes raved in the air. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." minor matters until to-morrow." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after written, and locked the door of the office after me. "In answer to an advertisement." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last as yours." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close seem to you to be relevant or not." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." made his money." wedding?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, are windows in it, of course?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than do.' Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, we went to search for him, face downward in a little interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Come in!" said he. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Yes, from Horsham." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." placed his cuttings. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Ha! you find it so?" death." advice." "Always." held up the lantern and gazed about him. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off that I can to serve you." "I cannot as yet see any connection." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared digesting their breakfasts at home." "But his left-handedness." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to