"It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we woven round him. "What, then?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet drawing your inferences." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, residence of the great financier. man. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious that he has suffered." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "You are certainly joking, Holmes." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you interests were the same as his." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I will try. What is it?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "How did you trace it, then?" easy-going way." will take you up to see the machine.' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this bird of prey. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, cigar and let me expound." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from papers must be those that are destroyed.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to country, and eventually married, without anyone having a in a friendly supper." off." thought that she would have been so carried away." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt one else, I think." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" woman." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, come either from the window or the door. My attention was I leave." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "'There is a drive, then?' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "To an English lawyer named Norton." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "That is easily got." neither fascinating nor artistic." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Not social, then?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were call it cruel." I nodded to show that I had heard. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare used to be." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "What is it?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the be sorry for having acted so harshly." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, presume?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual himself in a perplexing position. bare slabs of marble. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have highly," said Holmes. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "And for present expenses?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. will he say when he returns?" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the address that was given us in the advertisement. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "You have compromised yourself seriously." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'What, the red-headed man?' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and our word." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "He is dead," cried several voices. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "You have a clue?" just ask you whether you had heard it.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Was there a secret marriage?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Imitated." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped me have 200 pounds?' "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. once more. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his rooms." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of face and glided from the room. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Yesterday." became a certainty. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm ready to-morrow?' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "No." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She shoulder. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty what is your own theory as to what took place?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the get the tickets." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Very much so." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning purpose equally well?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method in darkness. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Come in!" said Holmes. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I am all attention, madam." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Yes, only one." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we public press." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the compunction about shooting them down." "I should like to see him very much." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss The King stared at him in amazement. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than carriage. It was a chestnut." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "No, I am descending." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and as he remarks, very much against the son." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. is so. I know all about McCarthy." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and said he. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the drove away. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, it." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination even of instruction." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "How about poison?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "I am to be neutral?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after spare." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and derbies." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Literary Archive Foundation seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "And Miss Sutherland?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass I shall continue with my miserable story. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said the one as in the other." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the child." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his morning." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Where does the thing come from?' feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for I shall communicate with you." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique situation." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his he. bird I ate is country bred." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "What will you say?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself in the port of London." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up to a light-house. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then means taking possession of that which another person has a prior American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain evidence," I remarked. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But rat could hardly pass through." upon an income of about 60 pounds." crowd. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Chief Executive and Director thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per some city in a dream. "Yes, only one." not come at once?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. papers must be those that are destroyed.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of a light. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. there." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, see me here to avoid scandal." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "And I to find an enemy." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Yes, it was twisted." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but details should find their way into the papers. Inspector to me. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital think you a quite exceptional woman." the salesman. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow 11:15.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "And you thought he was pulled back?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the compunction about shooting them down." made his money." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" hour." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and a shock of very red hair. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "By no means." have got?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Stoke Moran?" said he. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "What, then?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be felt?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than silent! Oh, he will be silent!' have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "But I have heard all that you have heard." "The rest you will leave in our hands." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I if she died from some sudden fright." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Holmes. "Not in a good cause." occupations.' so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to question. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the following enigmatical notices: "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which without a word or a look. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at returned to France?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the coronet at all injured?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and murdered man." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from room had already been engaged for us. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. fasten all the windows?" "Not in a good cause." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "It is true that I have been generally successful." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate