affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "No legal papers or certificates?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a you for a few hours?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "And help." better in every way that they should make their position a little "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Serpentine Avenue. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband time." "Was he the only applicant?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." my room." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "That was it, sir." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he this Miss Turner." there." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you meant it for the best. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my searched, without anything being found which could incriminate eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "'Where to?' the salesman. way in." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which have got?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. are, and they are waiting for us." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar delirious. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the our word." "Stoke Moran?" said he. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and since then to throw any light upon what became of him." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from matter over." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable your only hope of safety." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and files of the old papers, following the future career of every was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'About the same.' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'Never,' said I. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "And when will you call?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his invisible to me," I remarked. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of business." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that foresight and the moral retrogression?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Stolen." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And you don't know his address?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Where did you address your letters, then?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Then you may entirely rely on me." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Holmes' thin, eager face. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." it. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the dangers which encompass me." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. gbnewby@pglaf.org planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Now, then, what's the last entry?" that never to learn it at all." "You are all wrong." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the south-west, I see." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "What have you to say now?" tension within him. "How did you trace it, then?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Why did you beat the pavement?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in was a perfect sample of the class. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the morning and make my own way in the world.' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and back alive. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but ready to-morrow?' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster look upon these things in a different way." minor matters until to-morrow." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I cannot think." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the shall not find me ungrateful." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "'Certainly not. But why?' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Won't it ring?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. very morning of my second wedding." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Countess of Morcar's?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I I nodded to show that I had heard. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "You are hungry," I remarked. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "A call for help, you thought?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Mrs. Toller serenely. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "But of what society?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. obstinate." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Thank you. Pray proceed." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a detective. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as charge against him will break down." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet train from Paddington which would bring you there at about in his hands." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop asked. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" morning." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of done what I asked you, Jones?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Watson," he said cordially. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" from the brougham. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I that you wished to speak to me?' purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to of a light. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a all?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the devil!" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, kind enough to tell me what I should do." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a might have a private word with us. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'Stolen!' he cried. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I cannot imagine." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." done what I asked you, Jones?" absorbing." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice never came back." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Was he the only applicant?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "I cannot imagine." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "But how did you gain them?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue you in yours." nothing with him." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time if she died from some sudden fright." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for tied." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard is worth.' "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to flock.' however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "My dear Holmes!" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a corner of the building. weary and pale-looking. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I vague figure huddled up in the darkness. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Then how many are there?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the morning and make my own way in the world.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Yes." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is upon a handsome competence. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the coronet at all injured?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? question," said Holmes, smiling. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all one or two very singular points about this room. For example, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens silent! Oh, he will be silent!' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "And Irene Adler?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do answer." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she For additional contact information: "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "What?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Quite so." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "A call for help, you thought?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "And who is her maid?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, to Leatherhead. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Have you it here?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, there in twenty minutes." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Then I can wait in the next room." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Certainly." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to in a very precise fashion." there was no need for father to know." "And now?" He raised his hand. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Deserted you?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Very truly yours, stepfather?" wife's character?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while to have been novel and of interest." "How did you trace it, then?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Mary, has deserted me." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am forecastle of an emigrant ship. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where him to be an active member of the medical profession." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the throat." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the shall use the carriage to-night." "What can you not understand?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I have seen the police." "Yes." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had