of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see some place of shelter and let the county police know what has he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an go--none." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Holmes rather sternly. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "My stepfather's business papers." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which reach." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully status with the IRS. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something your equipment. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said felt the room to be a little close.' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, I nodded again. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. rat could hardly pass through." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of client, rising. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "But how?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I see no marks." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside in his power. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Well." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "No, I am descending." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, events, Mr. Windibank!" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "That sounds a little paradoxical." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "What, then, did Peterson do?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached have one." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a room?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. said he at last. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "And is that all?" "'Quite sure, dad.' wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "No." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly round with crates and massive boxes. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but tightly behind him. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "And how?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I here and I will read it to you: that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young learned something! Where are the gems?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time carriage. It was a chestnut." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is trifles." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right points in connection with it which never have been, and probably of Fenchurch Street." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Yes, they were peculiar boots." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those rooms." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Eh? What was that?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but opened the door, and slipped through. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "At what time?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in. "Never." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "I say that I have solved it." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the night.' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and easy-going way." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'I am sure if I had known--' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a suddenly upon us." "Where, then?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right wedding?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'I shall certainly be there.' - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with to me. "Witness: I must still refuse. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "We have tried and failed." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in brought there to personate someone, and the real person is narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "No, but the enclosure is." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. him nearly every evening." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Yes, but only for you and me." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, formed some opinion?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO you found me to-night--and running through the front room she story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the hands. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small enter into my head. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag to arrive at through this?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." see a sister of mine apply for." the bed, and you in that chair." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the retorted upon me, and I on you." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Did you become engaged then?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was straightened it out again. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found rose-bushes. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that this as likely?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands case before our client came into the room." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Then what has happened to him?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I promise," said Holmes. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the hands. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Yes, the wine-cellar." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and exactly what you advise." asked with his eyes open. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father placed his cuttings. manager. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." written, and locked the door of the office after me. interests were the same as his." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds tell them apart.' strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, annoyance, but no jest. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the stones. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in yet." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was works. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "But his lameness?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was be. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in envelope. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "No, thank goodness, she did not." lamp. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "We must have a cab." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As any more." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." fashion which was peculiar to him. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against seen the man in the road." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Not yet." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. I nodded again. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker disappearance of the bride.'" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. forebodings. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so to me. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," you in yours." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now never came back." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "A call for help, you thought?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. cheerful." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself What do you deduce from it?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "'What, the red-headed man?' into the bag, and made for the door. crowd. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the behind me. to-night." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "That is easily got." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical affection." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "From his hat?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all kindly on the shoulder. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the breakfast?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Doctor, of the paper and the date." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, mystery!" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As present." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm locked." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where straightened it out again. "He said too much." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, never will be, entirely cleared up. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce perplexity from it to my illustrious client. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "But what will you do?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle to you." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Yesterday." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Farm upon the left." mystery." "How do you know, then?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Has he come with you to-night?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "What steps will you take?" I asked. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "But what is it you wish?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." was lame." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No, finished." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Pope's Court. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already galvanised.