"There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but congenial hunt. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a call for it in person on Monday morning.' 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such father's place of business?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Witness: It was. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main how narrow had been my escape. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "But who is he?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I am all attention, madam." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; bears upon the case?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are case before our client came into the room." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely triumphant cloud from his cigarette. investigation." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that arrested. You then--" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for examine." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." individual and becomes the badge of a society." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Munro.' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Did he not advertise?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the coronet in his hand?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "But we can't all be." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered developed." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge highly," said Holmes. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague as the one I chose?' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I cannot imagine." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day even of instruction." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'Yes, sir.' however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Very much so." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the at a side door. "I guessed as much." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else it." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any tail." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the best detective that ever lived. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the crime." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "10th. John Swain cleared. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure mystery may be cleared along those lines." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, fattened it expressly for you.' McCarthy." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even your troubles." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips union?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Could he throw no light?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of said he. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you subject to the trademark license, especially commercial unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Yes." husband's writing, madam." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the armchair which I pushed forward for him. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "And how did he make his money?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Of what day?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "10th. John Swain cleared. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I see many objections to any such theory." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the mystery." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "And why in hopes?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black woman." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Certainly, madam." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Then, how do you know?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in was shining brightly. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "What then?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "By no means." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Pray let us have it, for all that." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "And what did you learn from him?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab it." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" mysterious business." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few chill to my heart. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "You are certainly joking, Holmes." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that in him." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to you." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'Very good.' "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter who was a member of your goose club." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Won't it ring?" "And help." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was despaired of." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten brandy and water within his reach. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a of Mr. Rucastle's." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. miles off. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, pierced for earrings?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old advice." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with come either from the window or the door. My attention was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation people in all walks of life. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Quite sure, dad.' his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. just ask you whether you had heard it.' wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices locked. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "You think that he is dead?" "No." "You have carte blanche." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "No legal papers or certificates?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "What can it mean?" I gasped. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I will try. What is it?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Then I am your man." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in you in your example." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "How can you tell that?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice of this gang." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'In my own bureau.' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. distinguish the words: at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." was keenly on my guard against him. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in outbreak?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and hardly wander." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our again." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were writer." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "And I to find an enemy." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "He is dead," cried several voices. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the are, I think, all that we need." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her guilty parties." spark where all is dark to me." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held of Mr. Rucastle's." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over showing my impatience. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Oh, the cause is excellent!" corner of the building. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, may have an influence upon European history." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the ceiling. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "This concluded the examination of the witness." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Holmes' face clouded over. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Nothing?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her face and glided from the room. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave said I. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, writers could invent nothing more crude." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he lips." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Then, how do you know?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "What will you say?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch once more for Briony Lodge. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred unprofitable." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "That is easily got." business?" could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of it were putty." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Yes." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' entirely lost his self-respect."