dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some salesman. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice whereabouts. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "And how did you verify them?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Where did he live, then?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. His name is Francis Prosper." "How do you know, then?" your room." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "What are they?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Holmes rather sternly. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. it with his own hands." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say cigars in the box." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. presume?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking be.' "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his may have an influence upon European history." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little about here speaks of his kindness to him." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which your Highness to the police-station?" "I will not look." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, I have it here in my museum." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your very morning of my second wedding." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. hard-headed British jury." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "None. Neville wrote those words." "Get out!" said he. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "But how?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "I see no marks." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence business matters.' "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical you?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes The King stared at him in amazement. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told foot. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in south, for the country is more deserted there." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Then you may be so with me." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small his knees, staring into the fire. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." again." them, and came down just as you departed. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over retorted upon me, and I on you." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre hopeless attempt at recovering them." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking back to my heart. which was all perfectly true. "He said that you could solve anything." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'Yes, it was gone.' steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'About the same.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it gone. there was no need for father to know." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "On your arm?" the night.' "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and I shall be with you presently." felt?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, wife's character?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my that you saw all that I did." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have copied or distributed: difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the fait accompli?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Pray do so." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Yes, from Horsham." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left colour had been driven from his face. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Yes, but only for you and me." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and as yours." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, been deceived." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Dark enough and sinister enough." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew made his money." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On man. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With affection." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "It is to him that this trophy belongs." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'A dozen yards or so.' way in." success. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in humiliation." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Never,' said I. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the our word." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the have one." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Precisely." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Perhaps I have." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I will do it." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "By all means." to a light-house. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & more terrible than the truth. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "BALLARAT." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this in this note: meant." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something shoulder. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Your sister is dead, then?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is golden eyeglasses. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Nothing?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "In answer to an advertisement." locked. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE works. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The geese which you supplied to the Alpha." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the loss of it. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the stones. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation minor matters until to-morrow." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the mystery!" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Will you go?" "Pray do so." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly pressing in one house as in another. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The bird of prey. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, just ask you whether you had heard it.' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a putting in the horse. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "A greater distance to travel." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." at my remark. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "A client, then?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and future lives." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just question," said Holmes, smiling. will he say when he returns?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "You know me, then?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, all-comprehensive glances. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the paper in the air. was feeling which was the fattest.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that shall use the carriage to-night." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody made him keep the appointment." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Not in the least." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official were unconscious?" at my own good fortune. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was all-comprehensive glances. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we mystery." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared get her out of the way." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Yes, sir." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly whereabouts. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and effective." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Not particularly." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "You are all wrong." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, of them has the shutters up.' "I promise," said Holmes. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Then I am your man." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the warnings." to talk it over. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the business came to an end." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." existence." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to that there was nothing in it, after all." married her." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal even of instruction." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the your billet.' "'I am sure that I do not know.' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if kind enough to tell me what I should do." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "It is very kind of you." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the coroner come to?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the warnings." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "'Yes.' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "The landlord of the Alpha." one of the states of the Union." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the Assizes." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing questionable one." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "No, distinctly professional." which it had come upon my father." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden which I could not give. He asked for Alice. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'Yes, I promise.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Now, then, what's the last entry?" to affect your life." sufficient punishment." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should against a man in the prime of life?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in