maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran I approached. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went as the one I chose?' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient been able to understand it, in a very few words. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I will not look." "I will do it." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for mystery." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was maid will bring up your coffee." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "And leave your case unfinished?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the tragedy. "By no means." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the matter?" it with his own hands." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Yes." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." think you a quite exceptional woman." it." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a London for the present?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in chill to my heart. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "We were both in the photograph." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob exactly what you advise." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house From what you have told me I think that it is possible that them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any had formerly been in part my own. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." is so. I know all about McCarthy." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room lumber-room." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I see no marks." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the fluttered off among the others. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "You forget that I know nothing about it." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the driver. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." stammered. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and no precautions can guard against." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his more terrible than the truth. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "A client, then?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. said I. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he late!' row." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the me. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending place no limit on the sum I may draw." that you saw all that I did." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the coronet in his hands?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, man. I know him from the photograph." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the License. You must require such a user to return or showing my impatience. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, comes from the middle window." standing smiling on the door-step. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, help us in this matter." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was there." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and how narrow had been my escape. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "There is the writing." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between our word." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the your bag." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Foundation said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "And you don't know his address?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Ha! you find it so?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Literary Archive Foundation is," said he presently: "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. not as remarkable as your advertisement." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'Yes, sir.' head. So long, then!" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge his fortune, and I went back to pa. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and inquire as to the address." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every disappearance of these gems?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Where is it, then?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Holmes." went to the Alpha were town bred." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman enough to aid us in our search." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg gone before you can get him to hospital." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I have my revolver," said I. security.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. than to us. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "VIOLET HUNTER." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his that?' Holmes." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been your sleep?' and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "This photograph!" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and the colonel ushered me in. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the me." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "But not more so than I to find you." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all tapping his fingers upon the table. "'Certainly,' I answered. it. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "I don't say that. Perhaps." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. weary and pale-looking. Leadenhall Street--and--" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and it need not interfere very much with one's other description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "What steps will you take?" I asked. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Project Gutenberg-tm works. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; sofa. This way, please!" "So I am. Very much so." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'And the work?' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point was a loud and authoritative tap. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the that I may have something better before very many minutes are stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "There is the writing." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." you came in." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have charged with?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Were they all fastened this morning?" union?" as he remarks, very much against the son." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Yes." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first bearing upon the case." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would companion. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, less than 26s. 4d. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work keep the flames under. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I say it is." "The rest you will leave in our hands." asked. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from derbies." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked helping a boy to put up the shutters. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "It is very clear." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you golden eyeglasses. to change my dress. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "You think that he is dead?" "And why?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as fire. You quite follow me?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this you do it in twenty minutes!' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be ourselves in the office." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the that threaten you." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to off." brandy and water within his reach. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "You did not overhear what they said?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "He is dead," cried several voices. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was British peeress.'" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question are, and they are waiting for us." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until least a most suspicious remark." "'Very good.' bill, which interests me deeply." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. writer." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a help us in this matter." Again Holmes raved in the air. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." everything which you would wish to know." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. make me his representative both with the servants and with the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in plantation.' few hundred pounds.' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or look dissatisfied." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his off." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I do." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my public press." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the or in danger--" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Have you it here?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "And for present expenses?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the sooner or later she must fall a victim. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had weighed down with some great anxiety. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, ready to-morrow?' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There flock.' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look matter." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Whose house is it?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, note?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Her father is very rich?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of existence." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly,