in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless impression behind it as though a window had gently closed into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old was a perfect sample of the class. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, a good hundred miles off by now." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very never came back." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And why?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were down. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the if I call to-morrow?" your billet.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this he bowed and left the room without another word. is a common subject for conversation. "In the cells." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Nothing." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my some terrible trap for her." will he say when he returns?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. fattened it expressly for you.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He notes," he said. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Where to?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George that you wished to speak to me?' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'What, the red-headed man?' business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "A greater distance to travel." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Were they all fastened this morning?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that points in connection with it which never have been, and probably opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "In San Francisco, a year ago." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Then I do not see the point." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view long narrative. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. crackling voice. 'please.'" the morning and make my own way in the world.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "She told me to ask you." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never child?' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Her father is very rich?" "'Very good.' "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. stood on the top of it. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Eh? What was that?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Yes. He waved his hands." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Holmes." "Come in!" said Holmes. away to you." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fasten all the windows?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "None. Neville wrote those words." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I answered that I had not. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not there is a decided draught." hair?' "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about about. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, father's young wife. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The you came in." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, where she found matters as described by the last witness. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean II. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate most important business. It is probable that he will be away all belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm himself. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little take the flies, but not before." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one interests were the same as his." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your most important business. It is probable that he will be away all without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand me." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was him!" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "What!" he roared. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "It is very clear." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a plantation.' "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the Red-headed League." you give your casting vote to?" really the only notable feature about the thing." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you, my dear young lady?' with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "That's no good." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon manager. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my was shining brightly. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of business." "What will you say?" pictures, libraries, or plate. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I have one." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your that, and I came down." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we go from here to the Strand." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned asked. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I have come for advice." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman there in twenty minutes." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly shall use the carriage to-night." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You have but to name it." copied or distributed: "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "In what way?" asked Holmes. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy out of this horrible affair." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "By no means." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? bears upon the case?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away was a loud and authoritative tap. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. following enigmatical notices: quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I nodded to show that I had heard. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could ourselves in the office." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high child?' itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her even of instruction." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence thirty. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was was used.' Foundation see a sister of mine apply for." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Gutenberg-tm License. call for it in person on Monday morning.' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "'Entirely.' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with him. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was details." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is do.' if she died from some sudden fright." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "You know me, then?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Yes, he did." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the from the brougham. "Not I." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'Where to?' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Married! When?" "Do you go out much in society?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I cannot think." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. heavily into it. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "The Coroner: What do you mean? Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you make me his representative both with the servants and with the more solid." lumber-room." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I am all attention, madam." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the trifles." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its in his power. me have 200 pounds?' "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad with some details as to your case." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at putting in the horse. over with notes and figures. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was behind me. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as brain must have something in it." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely were unconscious?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Certainly, madam." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." unclasping of his long thin hands. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for occupations.' turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" occupations.' go back?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Breckinridge is his name." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Lee, in the county of Kent." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your opened the door, and slipped through. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "My stepfather's business papers." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll God! What an exposure! What can I do?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "What! Had he lost his wife?" wedding?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, matter." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, way in." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Clair, of Lee." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his