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daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "And how in the world did you find them?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I details." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Come in!" said Holmes. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, whether it answered to the description of any of their the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I am armed." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Why did you pick him?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Is he quiet?" "You have carte blanche." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed derbies." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I answered that I had not. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went have an American origin." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "One of his hands." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, of the one which your family is now devouring." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no success. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the inner apartment." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the to-morrow." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "It came here." awkward doing business with an alias." "Yes, but only for you and me." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away was lame." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the his eyes and forehead. again." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' astonishment. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." have accepted such a situation. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest II. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I morning." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "But his lameness?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really compunction about shooting them down." chair. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "The knees of his trousers." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you someone who had been in Australia." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "At what time?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "But the mystery?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical just called myself is not exactly my own." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Precisely so. But how--" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' away into the river." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his British peeress.'" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "One of his hands." hour." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was have I gained?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a your co-operation." affair. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, matter over." "Yes, that is the Crown." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and glanced through. some city in a dream. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, place no limit on the sum I may draw." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'Yes, sir.' invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Yes, at the mines." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he correct than the official force." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open any little problem which you may submit to me." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the house with me." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three to that open window." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "This photograph!" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever burst into a hearty fit of laughter. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I heavily into it. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the side-table." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to some other building. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained heavy and sharp instrument." "'I have heard so.' "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it case before our client came into the room." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Certainly." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by gives a meaning to it." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "How did you trace it, then?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the dear old homesteads?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, me upon any point which I do not make clear." wanted for ourselves." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have several quiet little villages up there." and laid it on the table. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in bell. Holmes whistled. "But his lameness?" "It was an hour's good drive." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "You forget that I know nothing about it." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the for and were ordered to this address. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Not social, then?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and late!' husband's writing, madam." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' my special province." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather more terrible than the truth. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight man. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few late." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project good-night and bustled off upon her way. words came to my lips. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I cannot tell." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his his face. six. Come in!" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his character. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear yards of it?' works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we 1.E.9. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'And the work?' Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he was shining brightly. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls character. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Never." "One?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I cannot imagine." "But his left-handedness." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative from you?" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Yes, only one." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest tension within him. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who least a most suspicious remark." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. in darkness. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her felt?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull him!" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and interests were the same as his." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I think that it is very probable." open." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips never to learn it at all." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my detective. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "You have but to name it." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'Where could I find him?' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by face and glided from the room. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very fashion which was peculiar to him. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back perplexity from it to my illustrious client. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is these bleak autumnal evenings." "Whose house is it?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and putting in the horse. furiously. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which ran thus: My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then society." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just views." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had you give your casting vote to?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." forbidden door. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles even of instruction." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation stalked out of the room. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, your own bird, so if you wish--" "He slept on the premises." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." business?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon of receipt of the work. derbies." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Where, indeed?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Dark enough and sinister enough." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he nice household for a young lady." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he in this note: him nearly every evening." conclusions. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three