upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' people in all walks of life. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence look upon these things in a different way." conduct the inquiry." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Then you may be so with me." "But who is he?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an train from Paddington which would bring you there at about solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement conclusions. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I will get her to show me." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same room?" writers could invent nothing more crude." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "And how?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who McCarthy." "He is dead," cried several voices. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was a loud and authoritative tap. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I answered that I had not. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the stones. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Did your wife hear all this?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Was the window open?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his his fortune, and I went back to pa. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I am sure." "Imitated." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but have an American origin." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'Ample.' rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' rooms." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after are, and they are waiting for us." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Precisely so. But how--" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling believe that I should never have any practice at all. the coronet at all injured?" is a common subject for conversation. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It presented more singular features than that which was associated During two years I have had three consultations and one small a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" you?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "What! Had he lost his wife?" you." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the sparkled upon his finger. new duties?' thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular strength in the others." time." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are his forehead." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Oh, yes, easily." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. undoubtedly my uncle's." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Did your wife hear all this?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same the inquest, and which are worth considering." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this States. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Then you may be so with me." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to surprise her." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us main points of my analysis." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "It is half-past ten now." lips." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "But we can't all be." evidence," I remarked. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Did you observe the colour?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "'Quite sure, dad.' "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit not personally threatened." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic whatever might befall. the dangers which encompass me." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled question," said Holmes, smiling. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his outbreak?" "Married! When?" "Was your sister dressed?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Then you may be so with me." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "How did you trace it, then?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the case before our client came into the room." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "But what will you do?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I say it is." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I have my revolver," said I. dramatic, in fact." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at business matters.' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "But the mystery?" "Perfectly so." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor things are very often connected not with the larger but with the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark which are rolled in Rotterdam." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Yes." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he child?' thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "How often?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Frequently." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I article?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "And what did you learn from him?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "My dear Holmes!" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous invisible to me," I remarked. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods remarked. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Pray continue your narrative." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I happened." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his his knees, staring into the fire. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "It is possible." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), friend's singular character. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "None." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being appointment with me for six o'clock?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and congratulate you again." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "None." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "It's nothing of the kind." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. next day. whole matter to your consideration." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." up this clue while it is still hot." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "9th. McCauley cleared. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "You horrify me." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's of a light. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the address that was given us in the advertisement. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long and have this put in the evening papers." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and letters?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the I shall communicate with you." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for strength in the others." "What! a murderous attack?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the loss of it. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "One of the highest in England." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise shoulder; "he's all right." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking hardly wander." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with overpowering excitement and concern. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what other, as fresh and trim as possible. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "None." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up be best to do. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck http://gutenberg.net/license). little adventures." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "One of his hands." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently possible that we could bring him back to her? listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, of your young ladies.' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Countess of Morcar's?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I have hopes." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so walking." to-night?" I asked. back to my heart. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "The King of Scandinavia." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We go from here to the Strand." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted tension within him. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the little trying to do so much typewriting?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet awkward doing business with an alias." of your young ladies.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is arrested. You then--" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "You think so, too?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in eavesdroppers?' up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "But if he is innocent, who has done it?"