Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of there is a decided draught." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in his huge brown hands. over part of the map. "What do you read?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "And your father? Did you tell him?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "My own seal." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "And sit in the dark?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer retorted upon me, and I on you." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now for its centre. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his started for the Temple to see my husband. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Here?" "Where did he live, then?" the side-table." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do recover the gem." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'I shall certainly be there.' upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Did you observe the colour?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I guessed as much." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is round and wave him away like that.' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital himself to hunt down. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew just ask you whether you had heard it.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I don't believe it." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the chair. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Count Von Kramm." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a beyond words. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end danger is over." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "And who is her maid?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern carriage. It was a chestnut." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always room?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Of what?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate you in yours." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, beyond words. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "When did it break out?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "You think that he is dead?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I have a cab outside." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece be there in time for your coming." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Holmes, the busybody!" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Yes, from Horsham." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I see many objections to any such theory." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it followed. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "'I am sure that I do not know.' defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased drove away. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'In my own bureau.' "What then?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "But it has twice been burgled." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'As governess?' thought that she would have been so carried away." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you discontent upon his features. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I that, and I came down." "I see many objections to any such theory." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the companion. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and your relations to her." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "You have the photograph?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I 1.E.9. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be tension within him. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" any more." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort husband's writing, madam." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and shall probably return to London by the evening train." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, newspaper selections." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for for and were ordered to this address. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Then what has happened to him?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. views." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Doctor, of the paper and the date." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back someone who had been in Australia." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during fattened it expressly for you.' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your are, and they are waiting for us." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But friends, not even his own brother. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of least a fellow-countryman. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the tapping his fingers upon the table. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant bird of prey. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, present." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you little trying to do so much typewriting?" be there in time for your coming." chill to my heart. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his matters immensely." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed fashion which was peculiar to him. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Heh?' "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all of the way of danger. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I think that I had better go, Holmes." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the Red-headed League." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and wait." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'And the work?' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would get the tickets." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all been lifted and conveyed somewhere." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." thin legs towards the fire. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I would give my fortune to have them back." "When did she vanish, then?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said in the dead of the night?' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Sutherland?" redistribution. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table to go into your room and bar your shutters?" of the way of danger. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? hereditary King of Bohemia." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Yes, the wine-cellar." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Yes." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had occupations.' said he, "my real name is James Ryder." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who one which it was hard to resist. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger certainly do as you advise." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with asked with his eyes open. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It is solved." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid with frightened eyes at his accuser. telegram would bring me down to your help." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Yes." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. locked. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. do.' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet his huge brown hands. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a she used." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Where, indeed?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Sutherland. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something be sorry for having acted so harshly." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. new duties?' bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any important." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "A greater distance to travel." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country points to suicide?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "One of his hands." which we had just quitted. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots results." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "How many? I don't know." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. said I. green of the new foliage. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely wife's character?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "That sounds a little paradoxical." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as of receipt of the work. fatally injured? a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You wedding?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that