"I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." evidence," I remarked. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed him!" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," weigh very heavily upon my conscience." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Was the window open?" fire. You quite follow me?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "What are they?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "What then?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, noting anything else of interest. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' residence of the great financier. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average way: "Has he come with you to-night?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction believe that I should never have any practice at all. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk points in connection with it which never have been, and probably ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere lamp. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little tell them apart.' "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my IS there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' learned something! Where are the gems?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'You cannot say what it was?' in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the careless servant girl?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in over with notes and figures. served to weaken the effect. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office recover the gem." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the call for it in person on Monday morning.' beg that you will break it off." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Is he quiet?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I way in." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "How are you getting on?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Your sister is dead, then?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could God! What an exposure! What can I do?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the matter?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting roused himself from his reverie. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen disappearance of the bride.'" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those had this final quarrel? "Yes." Pope's Court. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "It missed him, then?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not felt the room to be a little close.' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. matter over." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's this unhappy family?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On round with crates and massive boxes. infinite languor in his face. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my a room. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Then I do not see the point." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the station." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I am to be neutral?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my do.' a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the locked." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism murdered man." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting eat it." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "It is to him that this trophy belongs." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." Pope's Court. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 detained." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I think that it is very probable." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must over with notes and figures. overpowering excitement and concern. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my if I call to-morrow?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat had formerly been in part my own. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind very old mansion. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what have one." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, I approached. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he cigar and let me expound." to his chemical studies. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem begin with, and I had not got mine yet." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you ill-usage at the hands of fortune. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "It was." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the general public were present, then?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's because she had spent so short a time in this country that she and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "An accident, I presume?" have been better. It is all right." "Just look it up, then." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "That you are never beaten." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped seven miles from Eyford Station.' "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Yesterday." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Murdered?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "So I have heard." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little knowledge of the world." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely your equipment. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I business came to an end." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Yes." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a forebodings. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our yourselves in at night?" "My private note-paper." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Not him." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been had this final quarrel? here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed instituted." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose companion imperturbably. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "How often?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "And that is--" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize interests were the same as his." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take waste of energy." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Not I." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Here?" "I have hopes." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. would then never go into court at all." "No." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "But you were on a friendly footing?" up this clue while it is still hot." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the date of his supposed suicide." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It said I. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain your only hope of safety." "Then, as to money?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a man. "Where to?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is if only as a check to my own memory." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'Is purely nominal.' "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Munro.' contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid fatally injured? as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "And the murderer?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or speckled band?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I when your master had gone out." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "I see many objections to any such theory." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Bought." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief child?' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Were they all fastened this morning?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a thirty. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your your Highness to the police-station?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up a monotonous occupation." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And did you observe any change in her then?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "No, distinctly professional." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Then you may entirely rely on me." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds was once confined in the cab my mission was practically George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "It is very clear." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'Which dealer's?' Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what