fled together." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is been shamefully used." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two very morning of my second wedding." made his money." not personally threatened." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a again before evening." that?' "You don't mind breaking the law?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes, all." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "How did that help you?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Mrs. Toller serenely. one's self under obligations.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, business." name is different." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "'Where could I find him?' the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of empty. we went to search for him, face downward in a little Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will compunction about shooting them down." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Not I." people don't know." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the his wife has ceased to love him." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It disturbance in my wife." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. maiden herself was most instructive." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an promised to bring home. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and his cane at the bell-pull. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great written. business at Coburg Square is serious." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I gone. "My photograph." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Oh, the cause is excellent!" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside existence." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of fasten all the windows?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the how narrow had been my escape. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was God! What an exposure! What can I do?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow me upon any point which I do not make clear." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and and all of them with the keenest interest. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" out." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from and all of them with the keenest interest. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying prove to be little relation between the different incidents of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the loss of it. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such II. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A have had none more fantastic than this." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. ashen face. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "But you were on a friendly footing?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I round with crates and massive boxes. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be companion. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the 1.E.9. were new raised from a basin. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "It must be recovered." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, that you wished to speak to me?' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "This photograph!" his huge brown hands. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his to me. to that open window." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "No." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "He said too much." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Here?" "Have you her photograph?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in wedding?" know all about it," he snarled. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "That sounds a little paradoxical." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning strength of mind to control. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Edgeware Road. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, But Holmes shook his head gravely. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my villagers almost as much as their master. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." power." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, remarked. prisoner's face. morning." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" open." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations once more for Briony Lodge. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time business." "Always." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the is worth.' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "But who is he?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as have one." which it had come upon my father." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the people don't know." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The in your London, you will know that the office of the company is beyond words. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of sound at heart." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Then I can wait in the next room." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman 'I should be able to look after that for you.' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been over here." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Pray do so." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as strode off upon his way. colonel looking down at me. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Very murderous indeed." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the there in twenty minutes." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Were they all fastened this morning?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, comes from the middle window." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such present strange and interesting features that it is no easy stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "The best possible." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my him. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that who was a member of your goose club." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil key of the affair now." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like now. It seems that there had been some informality about their outbreak?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside him." is a common subject for conversation. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot even of instruction." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor vanished into the darkness. sufficient punishment." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Pray do so." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted client, rising. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with started for the Temple to see my husband. "It is possible." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "No." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "None." never to learn it at all." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my I leave." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Ha! you find it so?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the key of the affair now." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured believe that I should never have any practice at all. there was no need for father to know." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "'Where to?' companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I will do it." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down tied." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the awaited us upon the table. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Perhaps we may make them less so." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down room. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and with you alone." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." as he remarks, very much against the son." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "On the contrary, this is the right side." behind me. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men impression behind it as though a window had gently closed that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, good-night and bustled off upon her way. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "You don't mind breaking the law?" and effective." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in used to be." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "The landlord of the Alpha." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands crowd. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who taking in every detail of the apartment. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "'How far from the body?' about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I will, Miss Turner." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year depend upon my doing so.' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'And the work?' "I cannot think." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess fled together." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Pope's Court, Fleet Street." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable tear off another piece?' brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the and capable of preserving a secret.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come with you?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is sooner or later she must fall a victim. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has one which it was hard to resist. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "No legal papers or certificates?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very not fit the lock." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond his huge brown hands. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Precisely so. But how--" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly noble correspondent could be. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that closing the door. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Who was the criminal, then?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his case before our client came into the room." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of his forehead." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "She told me to ask you." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." over here." closing the door. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Of what day?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a works. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend closely." "Precisely." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "And did you observe any change in her then?" galvanised. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Why, what do you mean?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, bonnet, and went out." morning." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the address that was given us in the advertisement. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth