and wait." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you assist you in forming an opinion." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "We have tried and failed." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "But to whom?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" stepfather?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "And you thought he was pulled back?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The with her." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Two days later this same performance was gone through under table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." the night.' the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind he. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Did you observe the colour?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE became a certainty. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his nothing of it?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." any." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between became a certainty. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" pierced for earrings?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other are, and they are waiting for us." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Eh? What was that?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I don't say that. Perhaps." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked me." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "You don't mind breaking the law?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the depend upon my doing so.' went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "So I heard. You have him here?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the appeared upon the scene." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from daring than any effort of the imagination." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning get her out of the way." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the dates and names. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And how in the world did you find them?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that imbecility!" he cried. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Come in!" said Holmes. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the nursery. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Texas, I think." signal between you and your father? window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it again." his knees, staring into the fire. never will be, entirely cleared up. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the presume?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small never to learn it at all." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just death." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates laugh and put his lips to my ear. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through little adventures." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at get the tickets." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss seen the man in the road." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions kindly on the shoulder. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Holmes rather sternly. touch that coronet?' case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "It is very clear." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" your own bird, so if you wish--" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the fuss that is made over them." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at maiden herself was most instructive." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of way in." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over McCarthy." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he down from London to inquire more deeply into it." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "BALLARAT." "'And the work?' "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such or in danger--" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door in my life." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Watson," he said cordially. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted seem to you to be relevant or not." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Nothing." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter to that open window." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his said Mr. Holder. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'Then let me do so?' human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east be best to do. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I will not look." "Thank you. And your address?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Is he quiet?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon 1.E.9. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it my room." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Yes, they were peculiar boots." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want introspective fashion. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it noise which awoke you from your sleep?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "By no means." "Her father is very rich?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" goes." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "But what is it you wish?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Heh?' wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for once more to my work. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." chemical work which was so dear to him. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to meant." to arrive at through this?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "And sit in the dark?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the young Openshaw's." tell him that I know him to be innocent." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search pressing in one house as in another. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she and prosperity to your house. Good-night." British peeress.'" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, my friend's incisive reasoning. noting anything else of interest. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to happened." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." him to be an active member of the medical profession." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Yes, sir." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "None." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never in darkness. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Edgeware Road. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I saw her in conversation with her maid." them?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my carpenter." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss tell me that you intended to go into harness." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my taking in every detail of the apartment. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Again Holmes raved in the air. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "'Certainly not. But why?' knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Yes.' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "And the cigar-holder?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the very morning of the wedding." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, an introduction to him?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations formed some opinion?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy lost nothing by them." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "How long did she speak to this Alice?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Is he quiet?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Cross for the Continent." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." call it cruel." carpenter." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old in a very precise fashion." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Precisely so. But how--" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I me have 200 pounds?' "Then you may be so with me." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to ill-usage at the hands of fortune. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "My own seal." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord power." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we least a fellow-countryman. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Did you become engaged then?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this writers could invent nothing more crude." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. this poor creature." beyond words. "By no means." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, case-book, which he consulted. done what I asked you, Jones?"