dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Not in the least." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per crime. was used.' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'Is purely nominal.' gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "How are you getting on?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the like that before?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to Leatherhead. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out I think that I could be of assistance to you." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the Assizes." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "And what did you learn from him?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the running down." the general public were present, then?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. there in twenty minutes." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and imbecility!" he cried. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. next day. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Then I shall certainly come." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "My private note-paper." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" to tell." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "But his left-handedness." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Certainly." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Stoke Moran." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told rooms." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner in a very precise fashion." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted had a long day." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office himself in a perplexing position. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Is he quiet?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried always that they were such commands as a lady might with "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "No." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "The gentleman I describe." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "She walked into the breakfast-room." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'And the work?' three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "So it appears." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and conclusions. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "And why?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I have come for advice." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your me where it went to?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt had a long day." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower all?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such this poor creature." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per about. "I am all attention, madam." "None." business matters.' morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he your troubles." when your master had gone out." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal note?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too case before our client came into the room." "I fear not." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to spark where all is dark to me." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every McCarthy." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, me upon any point which I do not make clear." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I electronic works "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt be sorry for having acted so harshly." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Will you go?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss there in twenty minutes." Edgeware Road. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the corner of the building. walking." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that brought there to personate someone, and the real person is pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he roused himself from his reverie. Arthur Conan Doyle few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a as the one I chose?' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is will not take me long to tell. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never tear off another piece?' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." jewels which you have stolen?' the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out subject to the trademark license, especially commercial houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate was a lad." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down voice, changing her seat as requested. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Pope's Court. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his overpowering excitement and concern. "'Quite sure, dad.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "What office?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "'It is locked up,' I answered. may have an influence upon European history." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Yes, he did." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "The landlord of the Alpha." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry to where he stood hid behind the curtain. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the Red-headed League." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for tell him that I know him to be innocent." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as to tell." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'I have heard so.' delighted to hear it," he said. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "A greater distance to travel." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem 1.F. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. it." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "My photograph." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of an introduction to him?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of row." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first tapping his fingers upon the table. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the tragedy. head. So long, then!" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less furiously. Arthur Conan Doyle "A call for help, you thought?" as the one I chose?' shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Ten will be early enough." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend nothing with him." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be suspect him." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you reach." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered it were putty." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Yes?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to notes," he said. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, been shamefully used." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "And what did you learn from him?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up made him keep the appointment." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "My private note-paper." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Have you good authority for what you say?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At you found me to-night--and running through the front room she hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face with you?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'And what are they worth?' I asked. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right fish-monger and a tide-waiter." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part himself to tell his story. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of of his shoulders. "I cannot say that I have." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got sound at heart." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for once more on the important position which you have been fortunate all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do gone. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Nearly eleven." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Again Holmes raved in the air. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. tightly behind him. matters immensely." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, said I. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were