"It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had business in the City. She little knew what. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old face and glided from the room. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "What! a murderous attack?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian coroner's jury." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made spare." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe some city in a dream. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "A confidential servant?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, fire. You quite follow me?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Pray do so." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "I do." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and looking up at the numbers of the houses." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'How far from the body?' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer nonsense.' pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "You have but to name it." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it upon the shelf for the interim." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "'Certainly not.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "You have but to name it." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you leaning back in his chair. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the side-table." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not mystery!" instincts rose up against that laugh. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, keep the flames under. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to said I. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and laid it on the table. problems help me to do so." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast visitors." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled would apply.' fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "What is it, then--a fire?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Then what has happened to him?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Seven!" I answered. "Well, it is a possible supposition." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to meant." gone. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the dangers which encompass me." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Street. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could in this way: habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can envelope. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Yes, certainly." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few rooms." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "And who is her maid?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "We must have a cab." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest public press." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended awkward doing business with an alias." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "What! a murderous attack?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "My last client of the sort was a king." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. or in danger--" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Yes." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my putting in the horse. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net detained." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a kind enough to tell me what I should do." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need present." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and head. So long, then!" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I see many objections to any such theory." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Then, how do you know?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I answered that I had not. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it prison!" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, later, upon the night of May 2nd." had this final quarrel? his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the photograph?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Nothing." "I am following you closely," I answered. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your advice." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "And how in the world did you find them?" such person." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Come in!" said Holmes. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a case-book, which he consulted. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "From his hat?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." ways of our fellow-men." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the loss of it. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or done what I asked you, Jones?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he not come at once?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in details should find their way into the papers. Inspector approach us with offers to donate. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I outside." his forehead." that he will be back before evening." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he The events in question occurred in the early days of my their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped and prosperity to your house. Good-night." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and speckled band?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Leadenhall Street--and--" there has been an enclosure here!" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the as the one I chose?' is four-and-twenty." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of is now desirous of getting those letters back." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "About a month then." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the date of his supposed suicide." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying light and attacked it." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in eavesdroppers?' sneer upon his pale face. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after instituted." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, chambers. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham bears upon the case?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "That sounds a little paradoxical." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not together. quick march!" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I guessed as much." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read it? Did I buy the geese off you?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," straightened it out again. "I will get her to show me." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'And the work?' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior people in all walks of life. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite quickly through a disagreeable task. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred subject to the trademark license, especially commercial docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Yes, it was twisted." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "How did you trace it, then?" your room." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare status with the IRS. "A confidential servant?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California have been better. It is all right." do.' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Mrs. Toller serenely. about. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Pray do so." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have and looked back. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "He said too much." "Well, it is a possible supposition." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the fuss that is made over them." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." The King stared at him in amazement. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that them?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love looking up at the numbers of the houses." about. were wasted." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some