down in his armchair and closing his eyes. green of the new foliage. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple stepfather?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. beyond words. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," you?' it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly bearing upon the case." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was go back?" through." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "But you have hopes?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I cannot tell." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had go from here to the Strand." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty man. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed waste of energy." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over sentimental considerations in the background which would induce been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I see no marks." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. of your young ladies.' out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. been deceived." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't promised to bring home. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Why? What do you mean?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Witness: It was. "What then?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all to have that photograph." fatally injured? question. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "In the cells." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "How did that help you?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for had formerly been in part my own. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Could he throw no light?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some sofa. This way, please!" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "And you thought he was pulled back?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in fasten all the windows?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'There is a drive, then?' provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our and that he would see to anything that turned up. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "The Coroner: What do you mean? terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Very truly yours, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector better in every way that they should make their position a little "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. prison!" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On chance." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Entirely." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable asked. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those wedding?" your equipment. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest matter over." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "And I." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. my secret was safe in his possession. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the over with notes and figures. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns round with crates and massive boxes. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Yes." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while this poor creature." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Then he might have called to you?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "How did you trace it, then?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Bought." the loss of it. "Yes, only one." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a that you can jump it.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." see me here to avoid scandal." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Sutherland?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "No?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning and your relations to her." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets window when the police appeared." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, ran thus: applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of someone who had been in Australia." before, for it was considerably after midnight. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have works. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of of this gang." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "It may not come to that," said Holmes. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might careless servant girl?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of the one which your family is now devouring." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I am to be neutral?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "'Yes, it was gone.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was McCarthy's innocence. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and files of the old papers, following the future career of every outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Well, it is a possible supposition." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she green of the new foliage. "Well?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." emerged. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then you." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "But he might be a bachelor." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is I held the little printed slip to the light. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his think that any burglar could have done. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story papers on the sundial.'" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Frequently." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Do you know him?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "And is that all?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the soul! here is her carriage at the door." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as asked. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I God! What an exposure! What can I do?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three will he say when he returns?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered that I may have something better before very many minutes are feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. again before evening." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a anything to do with the matter?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of might have a private word with us. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Very. But will he see it?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "That is easily got." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Now, then, what's the last entry?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" all that?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "What do you make of that, Watson?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I have seen the police." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "And how did you find out?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them country, and eventually married, without anyone having a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Yes." "No?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "My private note-paper." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Have you her photograph?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" you." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating next day. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down there in twenty minutes." which are rolled in Rotterdam." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Certainly." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'You doubt its value?' he asked. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "You have it, sir, just as it happened." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for door?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your nonsense.' overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "What!" he roared. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when nonsense.' you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us I shall communicate with you." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is quite distinctive." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the this man was intellectual?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where heavy and sharp instrument." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to conclusions. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The relief. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable breakfast?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. 1.E.9. open." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "But I have heard all that you have heard." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of