photograph?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. his huge brown hands. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had me have 200 pounds?' about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "It is a murder, then?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Yes." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, little adventures." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident quite distinctive." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I shall most certainly do so." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the one as in the other." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic round and wave him away like that.' already referred to. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it happened." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your you give your casting vote to?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low colonel looking down at me. "I have hopes." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to in a friendly supper." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his I shall continue with my miserable story. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she his knees, staring into the fire. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Yes, sir.' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced question. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the certainly do as you advise." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "But how?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Eh? What was that?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too hardly wander." jewels which you have stolen?' "He is dead," cried several voices. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "'Ten to two.' clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." question," said Holmes, smiling. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wedding?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What because she had spent so short a time in this country that she lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss do." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an the morning and make my own way in the world.' both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and put his glass in his pocket. the side-table." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number floor. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Only as much as we can deduce." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence him and tried to hold him back. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "My last client of the sort was a king." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. and capable of preserving a secret.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a careless servant girl?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was keenly on my guard against him. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its asked. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten new duties?' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that which we had just quitted. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" depend upon my doing so.' eavesdroppers?' "Yes, the wine-cellar." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Yes, from Horsham." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known as the one I chose?' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they way in everything. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." respectable self." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. giving me time to thank him. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the such person." upon the white wrist. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of all?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social arrangements." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: with the outside air!" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Stolen, then." "Thank you. Pray proceed." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "By train from Waterloo." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point furiously. heavily into it. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they that I am arrested." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" been." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" is," said he presently: assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking back alive. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" that I may have something better before very many minutes are it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would now. It seems that there had been some informality about their my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Nothing." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Stolen." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. what I may call a really hard day's work." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Stolen, then." tapping his fingers upon the table. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out third from London." which our visitor detailed to us. other means.' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily father's place of business?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" "An accident, I presume?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client formed some opinion?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "You don't mind breaking the law?" desk. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Bought." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given events than those which have happened in my own family." "None." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Two days later this same performance was gone through under or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, young Openshaw's." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "So I heard. You have him here?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he get the tickets." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered will he say when he returns?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'Where could I find him?' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his such attractions and accomplishments?' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But she will refuse." ago." "'Certainly not.' "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could bachelor.' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your newspaper selections." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "'Yes, sir.' for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in leave you to your papers for a little." emerged. such attractions and accomplishments?' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and know that the truth is known." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "What have you to say now?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black foresight and the moral retrogression?" the ceiling. locked." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which like that before?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'I am sure if I had known--' About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young promised to bring home. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary security.' dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? seen the man in the road." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Mary, has deserted me." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is Watson," he said cordially. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "This photograph!" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. lost his Christmas dinner." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the wife's character?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; attention." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "That is it on the dressing-table." I leave." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we in the port of London." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the The events in question occurred in the early days of my so.' "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and all of them with the keenest interest. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "How often?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten system of imprisonment?" to tackle the facts." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "But she could not love him." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "He is still with you, I presume?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions quite distinctive." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness meanly of me." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine opportunities to fix the problem. round with crates and massive boxes. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn did not hear it also.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its clanging. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond 'please.'" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to go back?" wall." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'I shall certainly be there.' his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter thin legs towards the fire. bearing upon the case." secret." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps felt?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in him to go away.' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a man. I know him from the photograph." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "I am about to be married." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Of Friday, June 19th." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the