"Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help is," said he presently: strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their For additional contact information: redistribution. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." front of me. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry details." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He call the police, let the police find what they can.' "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Will you bet, then?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its happened." you." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And you can do nothing until then?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Yes." prepare for the new role I have to play." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the III. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right prison!" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my examination of the premises, but without finding anything which reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Then I do not see the point." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. carpenter." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Very much so." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation call for protection in the marriage market, for the present might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard morning." "They are typewritten," I remarked. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and to miss it." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know to have been novel and of interest." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we if she died from some sudden fright." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the me upon any point which I do not make clear." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have became a certainty. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is brandy and water within his reach. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built crime." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "'As governess?' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself electronic works key of the affair now." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from seven miles from Eyford Station.' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and been shamefully used." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "And you thought he was pulled back?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." union?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "But how did you gain them?" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door too. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "And why in hopes?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit tassel actually lying upon the pillow. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at photograph?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "By no means." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "When did she vanish, then?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'A dozen yards or so.' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. lectures into a series of tales." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'I have heard so.' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very with her." them, and came down just as you departed. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean was not a bird to be seen there. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Who by?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! bed dies. Does not that strike you?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." out of this horrible affair." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which it right.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one fear." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "He might." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of to-night?" I asked. politicians who had been sent down from the North. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual name is different." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. him, that man would not have given me such complete information teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a carriage. It was a chestnut." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "At half-wages, in fact." Holmes' thin, eager face. "Who was the criminal, then?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was awkward doing business with an alias." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "A client, then?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard results." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? shall not find me ungrateful." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight developed." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while in him." your own bird, so if you wish--" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure along the entire front of the house, with three long windows some place of shelter and let the county police know what has for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Yes, only one." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began you in your example." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each more solid." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Surrey." people in all walks of life. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days points to suicide?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Not particularly." could not have written that. It is the German who is so the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs people don't know." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fashion which was peculiar to him. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own strength in the others." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal The King stared at him in amazement. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "And is that all?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a from the brougham. "It came here." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Now, then, what's the last entry?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we directly by questioning you." and effective." Count Von Kramm." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little take the flies, but not before." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people tear off another piece?' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, were wasted." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'In my own bureau.' day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Here?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double ventilator." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without said Mr. Holder. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has back into the street. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide that?' "One of his hands." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is window when the police appeared." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "A client, then?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & business." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to had a long day." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Yes." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. shall not find me ungrateful." "So it appears." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Nothing?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "My dear Holmes!" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in hand, madam?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "It certainly sounds feasible." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. few hundred pounds.' have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "You horrify me!" "And what did you see?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'Which dealer's?' open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'What then?' I asked. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of that there was nothing in it, after all." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, already referred to. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who I shall communicate with you." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by hair?' "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the matter?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this British peeress.'" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Perfectly so." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "And why?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. will take you up to see the machine.' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his bears upon the case?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a night.' said he. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend to me. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I will try. What is it?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last you give your casting vote to?" late." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You companion quietly. "Why did you beat the pavement?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "ARAT," I read. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for he died? very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "It is possible." the window, rose as we entered. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Farm upon the left." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which mystery!" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of south, for the country is more deserted there." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is instincts rose up against that laugh. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Yes, certainly." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This British peeress.'" events than those which have happened in my own family." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and closing the door. "It is possible." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my papers diligently of late, have you not?" empty. strong reason behind." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. her also." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Well, it is a possible supposition." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow ways including including checks, online payments and credit card that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "What!" he roared. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the your sleep?' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Very. But will he see it?" too. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "And how did he make his money?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without