right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "It is his hat." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. trying to your nerves." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Look there!" said he. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the always that they were such commands as a lady might with low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE hour." I think that I could be of assistance to you." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Frequently." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "What then?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "You think so, too?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "But not more so than I to find you." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds experiences." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I dead, shall be safe with us." looking up at the numbers of the houses." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "You have a clue?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are noble correspondent could be. disappearance of the bride.'" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine occurred." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "What do you mean?" me where it went to?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than must be when I saw the door open.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Yes, only one." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "No bad?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your deduce something from that?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who friends, not even his own brother. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "You are hungry," I remarked. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be to surprise her." but preventing her from injuring another. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in quick march!" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and not come at once?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "No good news?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced swore that no one else had been in the front room during the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, true." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "At the wedding breakfast." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" thought that she would have been so carried away." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until any little problem which you may submit to me." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided his huge brown hands. I think that I could be of assistance to you." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Get out!" said he. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" me. You must get home instantly and act." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Perfectly so." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "It is true that I have been generally successful." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of towards the blaze. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil not, dad?" she asked. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, strength in the others." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "And I say east," said my patient. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. off." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'I have heard so.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the new duties?' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project highroad, where all traces were lost. trifles." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the kind enough to tell me what I should do." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "No, but the enclosure is." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party never came back." "So I heard. You have him here?" of his shoulders. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "None." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp business?" off." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if that I may have something better before very many minutes are with you alone." "My own seal." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "What can it mean?" I gasped. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every peculiar to him. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine your equipment. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, question," said Holmes, smiling. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." than was visible to me." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite charged with?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Frequently." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the invisible to me," I remarked. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally The telegram which we eventually received came late one night maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a even of instruction." weapon." unprofitable." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed before, for it was considerably after midnight. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my in a very precise fashion." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a not fit the lock." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email to tackle the facts." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to despair." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt to some other building. whole matter to your consideration." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me were unconscious?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "You heard nothing yourself last night?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the in his hands." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "How many? I don't know." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "No, my brougham is waiting." again on its way. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one enough to aid us in our search." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Imitated." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature fatally injured? thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I saw her in conversation with her maid." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: you?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the was shining brightly. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "And when will you call?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on manager. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Holmes. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small during that time.' "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "How did he come?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and address. "Why did you beat the pavement?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted cause to be." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "My stepfather's business papers." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you them?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that closing the door. with you?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Why serious?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "What do you mean?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Precisely." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head speckled band?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully promised to bring home. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Dr. Gregory B. Newby year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything child?' you, my dear young lady?' pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Miss Holder?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "What! Had he lost his wife?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way soul! here is her carriage at the door." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his help us in this matter." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "The Coroner: What do you mean? than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the Red-headed League." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'Yes, I promise.' so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it how narrow had been my escape. may have an influence upon European history." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, south, for the country is more deserted there." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who was feeling which was the fattest.' quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but in him." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Certainly." "Yes, sir." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For them, and came down just as you departed. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in attention." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" that he has suffered." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "'Is purely nominal.' come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to outsides of the windows. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are I took the paper from him and read as follows: freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "No good news?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Just look it up, then." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I am not easy in my mind about them." "'Is purely nominal.'