whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed them?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady know what is wrong with it.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I nights." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Was there a secret marriage?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Eh? What was that?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie chance." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Yes, all." presented more singular features than that which was associated "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of answered with a sidelong glance. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my easy-going way." habit of advancing money.' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Dr. Becher's." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, into the bag, and made for the door. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Pray do so." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when information in his hands the value of which he did not himself in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker chamber." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. instituted." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Quite so. She has her freedom." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "You have a clue?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I miles off. compunction about shooting them down." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing have not had my rubber." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "And now?" I asked. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Yes, I promise.' de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: me. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" and wait." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. putting in the horse. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'Yes, it was gone.' McCarthy." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, IS "You are hungry," I remarked. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "The murder was done with it." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you wedding?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my status with the IRS. you want, then?' me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles electronic works "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "How did you trace it, then?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "The vanishing of the lady." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of examine." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, wanted for ourselves." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it British peeress.'" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's invisible to me," I remarked. derbies." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was are windows in it, of course?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, observed. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Yes." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps get her out of the way." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the child." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in I was concerned in it." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately weary and pale-looking. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that never will be, entirely cleared up. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "It is very clear." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Stoke Moran?" said he. "What shall I do?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Stoke Moran?" said he. in one or two places in England?' her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Where to?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms would apply.' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Witness: I must still refuse. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Perhaps I have." me. You must get home instantly and act." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the question. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your persecution?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." outsides of the windows. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were in a very precise fashion." present." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. other lovers by making love himself." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush upon a handsome competence. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had papers on the sundial.'" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. I think that I could be of assistance to you." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and closely." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Get out!" said he. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any was the fact that his father should, according to his account, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two asked. "Certainly." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My down. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Texas, I think." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might place of silver." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare your sleep?' Pool. leave you to your papers for a little." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Yes, I have one waiting." "Quite so." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Bought." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but could not account in any way for the presence of the missing fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished to that open window." strong and stiff." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "'Is purely nominal.' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other in darkness. anything to do with the matter?" I was concerned in it." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, him. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have all?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "'What then?' I asked. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much comes from the middle window." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." business?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Certainly." "Very. But will he see it?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her it." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Yes, certainly." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Quite so. She has her freedom." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "A thing like a cleaver," said he. that I am arrested." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "I never have." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is in your London, you will know that the office of the company is something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every future lives." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "No, my brougham is waiting." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it views." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "You have compromised yourself seriously." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "She told me to ask you." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the night.' imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a you?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "To an English lawyer named Norton." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend