"Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the tragedy. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Cross for the Continent." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you shag which I had seen upon the previous night. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "My last client of the sort was a king." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will was a loud and authoritative tap. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' business?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "You are hungry," I remarked. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "It was a confession," I ejaculated. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty not as remarkable as your advertisement." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another own family. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a matter." III. "In San Francisco, a year ago." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my appeal." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, have had none more fantastic than this." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the over part of the map. "What do you read?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box himself to tell his story. too. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress village inn over there?" "To an end?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "My dear Holmes!" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, mysterious business." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "And how in the world did you find them?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'You cannot say what it was?' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps him!" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old I leave." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Miss Holder?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "The doctor?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and right! Sit down and let us talk it over." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather sparkled upon his finger. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being until night should bring an explanation. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "But you have hopes?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I assure you that I am in your hands." What do you deduce from it?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no writing, and yet I know it well." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Pope's Court. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "A client, then?" "'And the work?' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a without a word or a look. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a golden eyeglasses. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project key of the affair now." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "And now?" He raised his hand. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where always that they were such commands as a lady might with thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "That's no good." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the questionable one." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Holmes rather sternly. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce my former friend and companion. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is a good hundred miles off by now." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "She will not sell." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad his face. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just gigantic client. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the dangers which encompass me." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried gone before you can get him to hospital." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt late!' had died away into the silence from which it rose. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight look dissatisfied." with frightened eyes at his accuser. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Really! You surprise me." "You horrify me!" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too stammered. "And how have you succeeded?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Leadenhall Street--and--" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Nearly eleven." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I peculiar to him. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I should wish to." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I just called myself is not exactly my own." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine should be so warm over such a trifle." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "You forget that I know nothing about it." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of charge against him will break down." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid chance at all." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I guessed as much." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "In heaven's name, what for?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Her father is very rich?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I wall." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "What is it?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a was it brought him the coronet? sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Yes." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which not personally threatened." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main eat it." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Where, then, is my wife?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "What?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as But Holmes shook his head gravely. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small companion. "Won't it ring?" leaning back in his chair. directly by questioning you." "No sign of it?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." this man was intellectual?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have questionable one." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the it with his own hands." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the in this note: cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'Yes.' company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on works. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Pray continue your narrative." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Precisely so. But how--" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square to have that photograph." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me to you." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Texas, I think." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." never will be, entirely cleared up. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I as he remarks, very much against the son." morning." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "In the cells." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Have you good authority for what you say?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "10th. John Swain cleared. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Sutherland. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'What then?' I asked. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" October 9, 1890. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Really! You surprise me." jewels which you have stolen?' "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, held up the lantern and gazed about him. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the side-table." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his nothing with him." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next a good hundred miles off by now." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, made his money." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing paper in the air. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive distinguish the words: conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and emerged. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we appeal." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. already referred to. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Yes." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came