dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and golden eyeglasses. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of late." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be have got?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone mysterious end." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'Certainly not.' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." it were putty." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' this remarkable episode. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I shall most certainly do so." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Holmes. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "How often?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at house for five minutes.' "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." away into the river." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Breckinridge is his name." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. them present such singular features as the strange train of brandy and water within his reach. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "The King of Scandinavia." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "And your mother is alive?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small it right.' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "She showed me, as I told you she would." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Witness: It was. "How can you tell that?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next coroner's jury." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I would give my fortune to have them back." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in soul! here is her carriage at the door." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general coat-tails." go--none." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away before the coroner and the police-court." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Nothing." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "My stepfather's business papers." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter at once, for I have only half an hour." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to think, you have already met." the south-west, I see." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time some water from a caraffe. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Game for a morning drive?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Not yet." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Not at all. I only doubt--' your bag." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical good-night and bustled off upon her way. During two years I have had three consultations and one small was a lad." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both sparkled upon his finger. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "And I." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a one which it was hard to resist. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper enter Dr. Roylott's room." all that?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed business." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Game for a morning drive?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Yes." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "But how?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what constraint." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Miss Holder?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Witness: It was. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He will not take me long to tell. pressing in one house as in another. "'Most admirably.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. that you wished to speak to me?' painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "One?" telegram would bring me down to your help." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "That is it on the dressing-table." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "And did you observe any change in her then?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit in your London, you will know that the office of the company is into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" gone. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Yes, I have one waiting." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, than to us. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right hand, madam?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I was afraid that you were engaged." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less signal between you and your father? "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which present." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I was afraid that you were engaged." "The Cedars?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Precisely." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the very morning of the wedding." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at note?" stood on the top of it. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "He is dead," cried several voices. "Certainly." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "About a month then." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that me. You must get home instantly and act." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this into the bag, and made for the door. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, discontent upon his features. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a have had none more fantastic than this." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he golden eyeglasses. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "I would pay ten." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new his huge brown hands. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I written. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my goes." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to affect your life." "I think it very unlikely." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Very. But will he see it?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their hardly wander." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from as he remarks, very much against the son." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "BALLARAT." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow call the police, let the police find what they can.' of a light. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are stammered. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the few hundred pounds.' "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the unprofitable." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, one else, I think." them, and came down just as you departed. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me your bag." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "It is a murder, then?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he for securing the situation." closely." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "The doctor?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Was the window open?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "'Why that?' I asks. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk the Assizes." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these that I can to serve you." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may some city in a dream. "Bought." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "And why in hopes?" experiences." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "It was." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "By all means." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Then how many are there?" sparkled upon his finger. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Street. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through them present such singular features as the strange train of "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same other lovers by making love himself." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so said Mr. Holder. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as already referred to. his knees, staring into the fire. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Then the page we have seen--" "And from a noble client?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is companion imperturbably. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock outbreak?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "It is possible." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Then I do not see the point." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "But how?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector.