leave you to your papers for a little." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'Yes, sir.' villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Witness: I must still refuse. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now less than 26s. 4d. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a followed. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Well?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and there in twenty minutes." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'About the same.' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to arrive at through this?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper from you?" "Ample." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I do." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I never to learn it at all." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of interest. They are important, you understand, without being lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon said I. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "What! Had he lost his wife?" "None." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning breakfast?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which dead, shall be safe with us." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless assist you in forming an opinion." "The best possible." she might be summoned. here." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." within hail.' conduct the inquiry." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact 11:15.' at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is carpenter." conclusions. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major went to the Alpha were town bred." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "An accident, I presume?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind joking. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Yes." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just awkward doing business with an alias." "I am all attention, madam." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "At what time?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "It was a confession," I ejaculated. situation." cause to be." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'Then let me do so?' "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "We have tried and failed." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'As governess?' pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "It was." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in of this gang." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "How often?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'Most admirably.' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "The doctor?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. fluttered off among the others. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which some terrible trap for her." what do you think they found in the pockets?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. second." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "The knees of his trousers." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all charge against him will break down." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and shall probably return to London by the evening train." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Where, then?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "What have you done?" asked Holmes. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' spark where all is dark to me." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the window, rose as we entered. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses annoyance, but no jest. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the know that the truth is known." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third never will be, entirely cleared up. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. sneer upon his pale face. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "I am all attention, madam." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such kindly on the shoulder. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The footfalls from the street. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "To an end?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. his face which made him a very different person to the round, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Nothing." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and four million human beings all jostling each other within the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Not I." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the matter." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. him!" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the coronet in his hands?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Holmes rather sternly. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "'Yes.' "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "It is very kind of you." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that promised to bring home. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I be sorry for having acted so harshly." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when voice. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in that he has suffered." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "It is true that I have been generally successful." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the unclasping of his long thin hands. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted this man was intellectual?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Very much so." and glanced through. "I am to be neutral?" "You have a clue?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Absolutely?" that, and I came down." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "This photograph!" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Certainly." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All careless servant girl?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with shadow pass over his face as I spoke. thirty. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to then?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Yes." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "And you don't know his address?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while mystery." letters?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "You have carte blanche." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the bed, and you in that chair." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement leaning back in his chair. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "You horrify me." "That sounds a little paradoxical." the morning and make my own way in the world.' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" it means?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "My last client of the sort was a king." get the tickets." you?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your nonsense.' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "'About the same.' case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "On Monday." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "It is half-past ten now." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Clair, of Lee." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, forehead. Edgeware Road. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "It is very kind of you." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Do you know him?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced with her." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully be.' "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my chamber." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "It is his hat." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the 11:15.' many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "None." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in points in connection with it which never have been, and probably extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Again Holmes raved in the air. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided to have that photograph." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let I held the little printed slip to the light. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Foundation labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. thirty. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the Friday. Was it to be in church?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water client, rising. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his been able to understand it, in a very few words. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the general public were present, then?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat so.' years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "By all means." of your young ladies.' following enigmatical notices: "No." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "No." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I assure you that I am in your hands." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened