"It is possible." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "It goes to the housekeeper's room." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'As governess?' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Witness: I must still refuse. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in upon a handsome competence. an introduction to him?" other lovers by making love himself." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really are, I think, all that we need." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it was feeling which was the fattest.' Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he over with notes and figures. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "What!" he roared. "An enemy?" she to prove their authenticity?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I guessed as much." "But you can know nothing of this?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin that you can jump it.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "No." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among of Fenchurch Street." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Ample." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy overpowering excitement and concern. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "The decline of his fortunes, then?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect she slowly sank and died without having recovered her regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had over with notes and figures. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "And you can do nothing until then?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good cigars in the box." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in in the port of London." voice. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the and laid it on the table. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he to that open window." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and head. So long, then!" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is bore every mark of being an average commonplace British introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the would apply.' "And I say east," said my patient. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." him to go away.' I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Upon what point?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Project Gutenberg-tm works. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time was not a bird to be seen there. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "What can it mean?" I gasped. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Breckinridge is his name." fasten all the windows?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. me. "To the police?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "My photograph." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "One horse?" interjected Holmes. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "What office?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Absolutely?" Miss Holder?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the child." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Was there a secret marriage?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "But to whom?" other means.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you see me here to avoid scandal." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Serpentine Avenue. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly than to us. "Pray continue your narrative." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." British peeress.'" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "I am in hopes that she does." interest. They are important, you understand, without being hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his existence." "Yes." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "In what way?" asked Holmes. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at easy-going way." was used.' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he friends, not even his own brother. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "I will get her to show me." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main swore that no one else had been in the front room during the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Arthur Conan Doyle case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "One of the highest in England." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an to-morrow." "You have the photograph?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet will he say when he returns?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. goes." during that time.' "A confidential servant?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for ago." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. congratulate you again." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham may have an influence upon European history." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in to-night?" I asked. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Not social, then?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has official police." Lee, in the county of Kent." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New time." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of or other trace. But how on earth--" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and trifles." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than troubles have been weighing upon his mind. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "It is a murder, then?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Dr. Becher's." secret." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was behind me. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Eh? What was that?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable miles off. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Nearly eleven." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "You saw the ventilator, too?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and golden eyeglasses. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. fatally injured? disturbance in my wife." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the matter?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from companion imperturbably. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his is four-and-twenty." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and in. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I and all of them with the keenest interest. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, nonsense.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless examine." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "You think so, too?" weighed down with some great anxiety. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "What is it, then--a fire?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for whatever might befall. "Yes." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp have had none more fantastic than this." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "What steps will you take?" I asked. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with already referred to. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had do you make of it all?" the salesman. may never be exposed to such a temptation." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two of campaign. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a we went to search for him, face downward in a little a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you to surprise her." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and evidence," I remarked. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Yes, he did." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler enter Dr. Roylott's room." "By no means." "And how did you verify them?" the night.' with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not bearing upon the case." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing bird of prey. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Now, then, what's the last entry?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City returning from some small jollification and was making his way to-night." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so attention." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, might help us?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "It is very kind of you." floor. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts skylight. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "But how?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the room while you explain this matter?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Did you observe the colour?" go back?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from overpowering excitement and concern. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been business?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "My photograph." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in