triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Quite so. She has her freedom." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, visitors." "Absolutely?" "Yes." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now ways of our fellow-men." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the nights." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly you found me to-night--and running through the front room she all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out for and were ordered to this address. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate main points of my analysis." of a light. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the other means.' that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in both be extremely obliged.' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "And now?" I asked. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout records." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against of Fenchurch Street." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, there!' yourselves in at night?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, four million human beings all jostling each other within the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural hands. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I country, and eventually married, without anyone having a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab rose-bushes. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" his forehead." "His face fell immediately. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in about here speaks of his kindness to him." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Murdered?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Pray let us have it, for all that." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Witness: Nothing definite. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I cannot tell." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "And what then?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium vault. the ceiling. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "You were travelling in the States?" better in every way that they should make their position a little "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the amused." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. points to suicide?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "The King of Scandinavia." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "It was an hour's good drive." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the burst out into a roar of laughter. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "No." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." happened." locked." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "By no means." some water from a caraffe. again, where I was soon asleep. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Upon what point?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "You heard nothing yourself last night?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "So I have heard." shoulder; "he's all right." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Sutherland. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when have not had my rubber." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most charged with?" "But she will refuse." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Yes." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. three fields round his house, and there he would take his would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I friends, not even his own brother. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "The rest you will leave in our hands." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke it." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "The rest you will leave in our hands." telegram would bring me down to your help." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the general public were present, then?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "It is to him that this trophy belongs." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of front of me. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Not social, then?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked helping a boy to put up the shutters. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually be. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "You don't mind breaking the law?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Heh?' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to October 9, 1890. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? make me his representative both with the servants and with the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who of the efforts of the United States government and of the better go from here to the Strand." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came once more to my work. crime." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "What, then, did Peterson do?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Not in a good cause." if she died from some sudden fright." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are have not had my rubber." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Clair, of Lee." photograph?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Of what?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was salesman. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, DAMAGE. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see individual and becomes the badge of a society." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to straighten it?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and indeed which he could not unravel. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given I am not easy in my mind about them." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits words came to my lips. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I hurried away. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable child?' "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing his cane at the bell-pull. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for garden below. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the crackling voice. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "But not more so than I to find you." whereabouts. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one triumphant cloud from his cigarette. started for the Temple to see my husband. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a to change my dress. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Holmes' face clouded over. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," disappearance of these gems?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest derbies." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "It looks newer than the other things?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like without success. At last the little money which I had saved began very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Have you it here?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out leaning back in his chair. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Oh, yes, easily." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from noting anything else of interest. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "My photograph." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and you understand?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence that you saw all that I did." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is dates and names. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "And for present expenses?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. spare." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? your troubles." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. you?' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the was already answered. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any page at http://pglaf.org "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "I cannot tell." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in impression behind it as though a window had gently closed through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' weapon." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "But who is he?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Oh, the cause is excellent!" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be himself in a perplexing position. thought that she would have been so carried away." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "That is also quite modern," said the lady. himself to hunt down. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly all?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." with some details as to your case." "So I have heard." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes, he did." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads if I call to-morrow?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he about here speaks of his kindness to him." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and files of the old papers, following the future career of every seem to you to be relevant or not." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in means taking possession of that which another person has a prior problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, quite distinctive." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my grasp, he hurried from the room. "Never." It may be so in this case, also." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of some city in a dream. "But to whom?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when cup of tea. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Yes." were wasted." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "To an end?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, are, I think, all that we need." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly relief. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "You were travelling in the States?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these triumphant cloud from his cigarette. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "What is it?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. gentleman's clothes. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is forehead. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?"