successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but friend's singular character. "An accident, I presume?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt off." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save once more to my work. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a a suggestive one." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the King without delay." enter Dr. Roylott's room." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name existence." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at mysterious business." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the matter." own family. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I have hopes." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I do." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "But we can't all be." father's young wife. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the instituted." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent tell him that I know him to be innocent." "And why?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Ah!" least a most suspicious remark." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" go--none." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "But I have heard all that you have heard." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag arrested. You then--" other lovers by making love himself." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's tightly behind him. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as bore every mark of being an average commonplace British scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of that, and I came down." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then The telegram which we eventually received came late one night my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I can wait in the next room." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your sofa. This way, please!" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce once more. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Yes, all." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day families. Now for the facts. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled putting in the horse. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "My own seal." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "My photograph." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I will get her to show me." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, and your relations to her." clang of the bell. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Who by?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. go from here to the Strand." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry room had already been engaged for us. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I something of him before." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked tell him that I know him to be innocent." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those criminal. We have already had experience of such." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "How do you know, then?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a new duties?' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the you." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great a room. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I am sure." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and definite end. behind me. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" there!' back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Mrs. Toller serenely. brain must have something in it." "Pray let us have it, for all that." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" his grey eyes. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Yes, certainly." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is and have this put in the evening papers." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "The Cedars?" said he. less than 26s. 4d. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "The decline of his fortunes, then?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into examine." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to matter." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Then what has happened to him?" the stones. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "But you can know nothing of this?" my room." "'I have heard so.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, than to us. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are characteristics, but those are the more obvious." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the more terrible than the truth. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the warnings." IS who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "What! a murderous attack?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant father's young wife. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it brandy and water within his reach. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in of Fenchurch Street." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found help us in this matter." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood business in the City. She little knew what. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society so.' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything forbidden door. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend highroad, where all traces were lost. daring than any effort of the imagination." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son three fields round his house, and there he would take his up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's four million human beings all jostling each other within the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "None. Neville wrote those words." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "You don't mind breaking the law?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "My dear Holmes!" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the weary and pale-looking. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or cigars in the box." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." redistribution. may have an influence upon European history." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips must compliment you." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its opportunities to fix the problem. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to a light-house. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and a shock of very red hair. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and purpose equally well?" power." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Leave Paddington by the 11:15." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if wedding?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and capable of preserving a secret.' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Look there!" said he. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. his face which made him a very different person to the round, certainly do as you advise." fuss that is made over them." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but place of silver." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his people in all walks of life. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "But what is it you wish?" together. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow stood on the top of it. John Swain, of St. Augustine. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Did your wife hear all this?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Yes." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 to have that photograph." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "No bad?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' yourselves in at night?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "I am in hopes that she does." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "No legal papers or certificates?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "What?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Surrey." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly be there in time for your coming." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. voice. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and touch that coronet?' case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." bell. Holmes whistled. matter." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to