"Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were as the one I chose?' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "So I have heard." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "My dear Holmes!" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "My opinion is in no way altered." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "And what did you learn from him?" vault. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go carried out of court." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Edgeware Road. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'You cannot say what it was?' the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning outside." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Then I shall certainly come." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing sake, don't!" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "How did you deduce the select?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" "You think that he is dead?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a gives a meaning to it." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "No, my brougham is waiting." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It of note-paper. It read in this fashion: concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that upon the shelf for the interim." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the general public were present, then?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Oh, yes, easily." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "It is solved." "And how in the world did you find them?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I have it here in my museum." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had train from Paddington which would bring you there at about There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not to tackle the facts." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them chill to my heart. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from you?' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes arms and began to sob in a high treble key. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "But she could not love him." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Yes, but only for you and me." "A call for help, you thought?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, of." "9th. McCauley cleared. there has been an enclosure here!" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he crime." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "And from a noble client?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been weapon." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It is possible." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is rooms." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of fluttered off among the others. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the posted to-day." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. south, for the country is more deserted there." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one made his money." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl such attractions and accomplishments?' "It looks newer than the other things?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "The decline of his fortunes, then?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "My dear Holmes!" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Never.' I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and His smile broadened. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to disappearance of these gems?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "And I to find an enemy." him!" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me I am not easy in my mind about them." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on I. what these perils are?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I nodded again. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out for and were ordered to this address. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter criminal. We have already had experience of such." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By prepare for the new role I have to play." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your him!" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "He said too much." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Oh, yes, easily." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite man. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, over with notes and figures. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. I nodded to show that I had heard. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" I. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his do.' over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in appeared upon the scene." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which late." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. leaning back in his chair. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Yes." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the coronet in his hand?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I think that I had better go, Holmes." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I shall be delighted." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Really! You surprise me." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal humiliation." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Street. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "No." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for information in his hands the value of which he did not himself with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, annoyance, but no jest. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would washing it down with a long draught of water. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to away to you." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to http://www.gutenberg.net an introduction to him?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to I held the little printed slip to the light. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay point in the dark hollow of his hand. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Yes." "Have you it here?" views." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated character. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Do you go out much in society?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." The events in question occurred in the early days of my kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "And for present expenses?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling neither fascinating nor artistic." taking in every detail of the apartment. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said washing it down with a long draught of water. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "What are they?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might death." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'Why that?' I asks. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I beg pardon." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of charge against him will break down." "What then?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of wanted for ourselves." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to highroad, where all traces were lost. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the inquest, and which are worth considering." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which brain must have something in it." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than exactly what you advise." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes for the market.' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Will you bet, then?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that fluttered off among the others. learned something! Where are the gems?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop fear." "No." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Frequently." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can our word." "I am armed." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Ha! you find it so?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might have got?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year some terrible trap for her." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "9th. McCauley cleared. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you and glanced through. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was events than those which have happened in my own family." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Eyford." I have it here in my museum." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram throat." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not crime. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. His smile broadened. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Certainly." sparkled upon his finger. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come his fortune, and I went back to pa. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the Assizes." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "There are none." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "We have tried and failed." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon to a light-house. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was posted to-day." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "What will you say?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There