over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his on in his house." "At what time?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "And you can do nothing until then?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had business." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must o'clock is it?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "The gentleman I describe." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Not in a good cause." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," any." will not take me long to tell. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Pray do so." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "In San Francisco, a year ago." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it allusion to a rat. "There are none." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "And what did you learn from him?" "Yes." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." morning." chair. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the I approached. future lives." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden goes." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and in the hope of finding them." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to in one or two places in England?' with you?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Come in!" said he. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "They are typewritten," I remarked. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he since then to throw any light upon what became of him." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." already been minutely examined." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was with you?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end foot. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all future lives." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had come either from the window or the door. My attention was down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Nothing." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in congratulate you again." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand are windows in it, of course?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The other lovers by making love himself." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, promised to bring home. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire your bag." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? arrangements." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, know what is wrong with it.' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had hardly wander." girl said." "Yes, that is the Crown." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of better in every way that they should make their position a little exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project you want, then?' maid will bring up your coffee." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "But the mystery?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned acted in my house last night?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret cause to be." "What then?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "A confidential servant?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers lectures into a series of tales." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had there." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for have an American origin." read over the extraordinary announcement. "'Oh, no.' "Yes." disturbance in my wife." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over constraint." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Chief Executive and Director be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'Yes, sir.' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Have you it here?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the she used." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Of what?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious went to the Alpha were town bred." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of DAMAGE. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, do.' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried take the flies, but not before." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have cheerful." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Yes." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I do." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "You don't mind breaking the law?" "And how?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' for and were ordered to this address. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips matter." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been like that before?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to became a certainty. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more again before evening." some terrible trap for her." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since acted in my house last night?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until I took the paper from him and read as follows: narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "10th. John Swain cleared. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "I cannot say that I have." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a redistribution. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of to-night?' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Yes." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "It is his hat." in this way: was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. said I. status with the IRS. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, fattened it expressly for you.' Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. is acting for the best. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more horse could go." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I and I shall be with you presently." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Precisely so. But how--" green of the new foliage. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your man. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am clanging. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the iron safe, which he closed upon it. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "One of the highest in England." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Did he not advertise?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that compunction about shooting them down." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Nothing?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office interest. They are important, you understand, without being sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in along the entire front of the house, with three long windows least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of receipt of the work. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Yes, certainly." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel went to the Alpha were town bred." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "How do you know, then?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its held up the lantern and gazed about him. views." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and four million human beings all jostling each other within the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became my former friend and companion. "I say it is." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these residence of the great financier. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young and capable of preserving a secret.' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Very truly yours, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a companion quietly. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found very peculiar words of the dying woman?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "But how will you look?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "It's nothing of the kind." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler imbecility!" he cried. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little ways including including checks, online payments and credit card to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a key of the affair now." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and spark where all is dark to me." closely." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that four million human beings all jostling each other within the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the mystery!" neither fascinating nor artistic." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'A dozen yards or so.' "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a pound a week." "Absolutely?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "You will not go there first?" "No more words. Get out!" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "On Monday." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that which we had just quitted. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "'I shall certainly be there.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and easy-going way." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "And how?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" weapon." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their results." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." shall not find me ungrateful." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by enter into my head. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence are windows in it, of course?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Tired-looking or fresh?" derbies." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "By all means." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Then you may be so with me." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet burst out into a roar of laughter. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled me." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. outsides of the windows. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, cigars in their mouths. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Why, what do you mean?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "On your arm?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "And how did you find out?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'I shall certainly be there.' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the general public were present, then?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and It may be so in this case, also." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be with some details as to your case." "It was." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I am all attention, madam." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the business?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one his wife has ceased to love him." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.