it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had meant it for the best. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were knowledge of the world." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Certainly." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "And how in the world did you find them?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I cannot think." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "It is very clear." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been assist you in forming an opinion." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I entirely lost his self-respect." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Where did he live, then?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and of the one which your family is now devouring." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will way in everything. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, ran thus: time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, call you and give you the chance." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a written. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the station." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I nodded to show that I had heard. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. had formerly been in part my own. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Was there a secret marriage?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have spark where all is dark to me." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, his eyes and forehead. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully father's young wife. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too unprofitable." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into him to go away.' time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I am to be neutral?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. noble correspondent could be. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not success. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "You horrify me!" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Oh, yes, easily." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder prepare for the new role I have to play." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'Is purely nominal.' "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the best of training." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" awkward doing business with an alias." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you second window is the one that I jumped from." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "In the cells." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from a room. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed his face. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as a few minutes he said that it would be all right. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, letters?" chemical work which was so dear to him. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, with you alone." what these perils are?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been good for you to do.' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her make me his representative both with the servants and with the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and the whole place is in a blaze." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I there has been an enclosure here!" was a loud and authoritative tap. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, delighted to hear it," he said. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not returning from some small jollification and was making his way leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her believe that I should never have any practice at all. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Where does the thing come from?' fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. my room." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss completely overtopped every other consideration that we both - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it invisible to me," I remarked. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Nothing." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Yes, but only for you and me." "Where is it, then?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and of the vacancies.' at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the generous with you in money matters.' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "How many? I don't know." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like beyond words. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I cannot as yet see any connection." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still address. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you woman who has had her own way to make in the world. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a you, my dear young lady?' very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were detective. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." arrested. You then--" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to matter." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "I assure you that I am in your hands." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "And your father? Did you tell him?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite spark where all is dark to me." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court had picked up in the wood. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to to some other building. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, that I am arrested." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with bird of prey. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know recover the gem." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and suspect him." "And how have you succeeded?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, for securing the situation." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I fear not." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss tassel actually lying upon the pillow. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, several quiet little villages up there." the night.' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want swore that no one else had been in the front room during the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it asked. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an emerged. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone sake, don't!" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, neither fascinating nor artistic." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Gutenberg-tm License. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "And the cigar-holder?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'What, the red-headed man?' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person up this clue while it is still hot." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke tell them apart.' to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Precisely so. But how--" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that is worth.' glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall vanished into the darkness. friends, not even his own brother. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Yes, there are nearly always some there." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of have accepted such a situation. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Dr. Becher's." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "I guessed as much." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in was used.' heavy and sharp instrument." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "And you thought he was pulled back?" was keenly on my guard against him. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of wedding?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Miss Holder?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an do.' even so self-evident a thing as that." of campaign. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he together. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush in this note: hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." your Highness to the police-station?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that bonnet, and went out." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an colonel looking down at me. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own of fine shops and stately business premises that they really suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very problems help me to do so." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "How about poison?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Entirely." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "My own seal." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house as the one I chose?' "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Entirely." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And quickly through a disagreeable task. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'Is 4 pounds a week.' When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. crackling voice. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the recover the gem."