As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted delighted to hear it," he said. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may I think that I could be of assistance to you." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is respectable self." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the coronet in his hand?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Entirely." of." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a then?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a writing, and yet I know it well." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had direction." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in laugh and put his lips to my ear. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Clair, of Lee." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to introspective fashion. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of presume?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." went to the Alpha were town bred." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have had died away into the silence from which it rose. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his read over the extraordinary announcement. face and glided from the room. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that whole matter to your consideration." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning few hundred pounds.' much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Quite so." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "There is the writing." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "You heard nothing yourself last night?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Yes, from Horsham." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of Mr. Rucastle's." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who than to us. "Why? What do you mean?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The that you wished to speak to me?' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Holmes rather sternly. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to call you and give you the chance." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he felt the room to be a little close.' "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. purpose equally well?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their enter Dr. Roylott's room." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't best detective that ever lived. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "She showed me, as I told you she would." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "And that is--" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Arthur Conan Doyle ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Heh?' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at detained." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we answered with a sidelong glance. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Yesterday." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon begin with, and I had not got mine yet." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "None." have got?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came in the port of London." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Did you observe the colour?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Never to return." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Yes, from Horsham." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike to affect your life." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there will take you up to see the machine.' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have is acting for the best. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate people in all walks of life. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there way in." a good hundred miles off by now." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. indeed which he could not unravel. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." attention." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Not in a good cause." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but cigars in the box." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had have not had my rubber." congenial hunt. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Yes, he did." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and purpose equally well?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his overpowering excitement and concern. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that details should find their way into the papers. Inspector comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Very much so." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and inquire as to the address." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your to have been novel and of interest." bird I ate is country bred." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the yards of it?' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and his face. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "You forget that I know nothing about it." there was no need for father to know." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I promise," said Holmes. to some other building. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. on in his house." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'Yes, I promise.' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my public press." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be true." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "I think that I had better go, Holmes." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "No, distinctly professional." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. placed his cuttings. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained waste of energy." detained." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the Friday. Was it to be in church?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as that you saw all that I did." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "What! a murderous attack?" think, you have already met." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the iron safe, which he closed upon it. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "She walked into the breakfast-room." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'And what salary do you ask?' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to crackling voice. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were way in." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could once more on the important position which you have been fortunate weigh very heavily upon my conscience." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. for the market.' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police he bowed and left the room without another word. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on not as remarkable as your advertisement." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to where he stood hid behind the curtain. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your his huge brown hands. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Yes." "And who is her maid?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "You will not go there first?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to already been minutely examined." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never said I. "If I can be of use." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "How did that help you?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for do.' passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the room while you explain this matter?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work retorted upon me, and I on you." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly grasp, he hurried from the room. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps as the one I chose?' what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "But how could you guess what the motive was?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. down. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save husband's writing, madam." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the coronet at all injured?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "But how?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous of the vacancies.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "At what time?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her indiscretion." "We must have a cab." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Ten will be early enough." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "How about poison?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you just ask you whether you had heard it.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the fire. You quite follow me?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "You have the photograph?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand not fit the lock." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, not fit the lock." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. present." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the