say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but chemical work which was so dear to him. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of she might be summoned. fear." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern in a friendly supper." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that companion. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "No sign of it?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had His smile broadened. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Yes, all." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have asked with his eyes open. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, shaken than I had ever seen him. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "It is his hat." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'What would be the hours?' I asked. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass cigar and let me expound." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My to arrive at through this?" keep the flames under. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Indeed! Whose, then?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Never." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is tear off another piece?' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "To an end?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "What do you make of that, Watson?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." some water from a caraffe. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "She showed me, as I told you she would." several quiet little villages up there." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter closing the door. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt you in your example." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had gone. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." have an American origin." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Witness: I must still refuse. child?' "'Most admirably.' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I plantation.' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Then how many are there?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place yards of it?' brought there to personate someone, and the real person is upon an income of about 60 pounds." the warnings." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an to affect your life." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. go back?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Count Von Kramm." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "'How far from the body?' "He said too much." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right shall use the carriage to-night." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such formed some opinion?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. if only as a check to my own memory." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. made him keep the appointment." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" The King stared at him in amazement. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Chief Executive and Director his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and footfalls from the street. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven meanly of me." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm father's young wife. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and see a sister of mine apply for." at my remark. "Then what has happened to him?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I lost nothing by them." prisoner's face. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. I leave." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Do you go out much in society?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "But it has twice been burgled." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too During two years I have had three consultations and one small "What are they?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking roused himself from his reverie. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little hurried away. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the which it had come upon my father." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently once more on the important position which you have been fortunate corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I never have." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of roused himself from his reverie. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather gone. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I have a cab outside." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I have a cab outside." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you have established a very serious case against the son of the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not have not had my rubber." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "And I say east," said my patient. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Stoke Moran." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman once more for Briony Lodge. the coronet in his hand?" "I cannot say that I have." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the Red-headed League." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which main points of my analysis." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both acted in my house last night?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I would pay ten." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding awaited us upon the table. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "None." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such standing smiling on the door-step. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Breckinridge is his name." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" signal between you and your father? "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client I approached. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may with you?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "You know me, then?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "No, thank goodness, she did not." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "That you are never beaten." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." DISSOLVED. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Holmes' thin, eager face. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Yes, only one." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in any more." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Of Friday, June 19th." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "That sounds a little paradoxical." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you bird of prey. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, visitors." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Ample." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, it." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "I cannot tell." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried said he. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Certainly." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "This photograph!" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "And I to find an enemy." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest have one." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. present." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "What have you to say now?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Stoke Moran?" said he. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those interest. They are important, you understand, without being "And how have you succeeded?" disturbance in my wife." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just 1.E.9. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. about here speaks of his kindness to him." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed relief. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I cannot tell." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently particular state visit http://pglaf.org pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "The King of Scandinavia." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did be. own family. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at at once, for I have only half an hour." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice train from Paddington which would bring you there at about We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and best detective that ever lived. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I am following you closely," I answered. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "I think it very unlikely." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the coronet in his hands?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'No, I know no one in these parts.' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "His face fell immediately. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "It is possible." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "My opinion is in no way altered." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Pope's Court. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, trifles." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him place, I think that there is good ground to think that the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which here." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence as he folded up the epistle. there in twenty minutes."