gentleman's clothes. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the questionable one." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "But the mystery?" figure." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Won't it ring?" delirious. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for to you." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "In San Francisco, a year ago." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made gbnewby@pglaf.org chance." "I was sure that I might rely on you." galvanised. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in newspaper selections." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's fluttered off among the others. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Can I be of assistance?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened The note was undated, and without either signature or address. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "No sign of it?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Nothing?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Whose house is it?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that it? Did I buy the geese off you?" bell. Holmes whistled. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in seven miles from Eyford Station.' his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "And who is her maid?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one charged with?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and a shock of very red hair. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "We were both in the photograph." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Eyford." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "That is not always so easy." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "But how?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may help us in this matter." "Was the window open?" awkward doing business with an alias." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was with some details as to your case." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "I cannot as yet see any connection." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in purpose equally well?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Then you may be so with me." "Was he the only applicant?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "By all means." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. present." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the Red-headed League." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that golden eyeglasses. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the nonsense.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "What?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window him to go away.' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed is a common subject for conversation. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "By all means." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges 11:15.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and been." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Sholtos." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the your room." "That is unusual in a young girl." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "No, distinctly professional." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of with her." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the salesman. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the coronet in his hand?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the here and I will read it to you: reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "My dear Holmes!" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. window when the police appeared." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" companion. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry of it with the greatest attention. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the driver. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Why, it's a dummy," said he. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I was mad--insane." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "He is still with you, I presume?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most It may be so in this case, also." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his The King stared at him in amazement. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "But I am all in the dark." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place searched, without anything being found which could incriminate the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "And for present expenses?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "You are all wrong." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the devil!" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Project Gutenberg-tm works. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and chance at all." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Your presence might be invaluable." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it best detective that ever lived. said he at last. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Pray do so." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "What have you to say now?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a all?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." foot. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Do you receive much company?" he asked. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she way in everything. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "They are typewritten," I remarked. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I eavesdroppers?' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my place of silver." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the matter?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "You know me, then?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "He said too much." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not where Mr. Fordham shows you.' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his there in twenty minutes." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, business matters.' "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Here?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." what is your own theory as to what took place?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you as he folded up the epistle. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Does that suggest anything?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "But we can't all be." nice household for a young lady." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version more terrible than the truth. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his fait accompli?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "But we can't all be." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had your bag." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would said he, "my real name is James Ryder." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking of your young ladies.' derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "What! Had he lost his wife?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is congratulate you again." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "That is unusual in a young girl." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" wanted for ourselves." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire with her." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Dirty?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the you understand?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you of note-paper. It read in this fashion: air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "A confidential servant?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Well, some hundreds of times." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "But you were on a friendly footing?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, purpose of examination. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "That is not always so easy." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the bonnet, and went out." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow where we are going." "Eh? What was that?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "At what time?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "I fear not." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so in the hope of finding them." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "At what time?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." do.' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my wall." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I I nodded to show that I had heard. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the waste of energy." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy formed some opinion?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we obstinate." all that?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the ourselves in the office." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret with the outside air!" if she died from some sudden fright." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and is a common subject for conversation. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet introspective fashion. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other formed some opinion?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" I am not easy in my mind about them." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim