"Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father been deceived." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so particular state visit http://pglaf.org furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news fishes. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my I leave." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa beg that you will break it off." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "By no means." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every are, I think, all that we need." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of done what I asked you, Jones?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Miss Holder?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "And you can do nothing until then?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's window when the police appeared." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an never to learn it at all." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Get out!" said he. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's ways including including checks, online payments and credit card whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "You did not overhear what they said?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' tied." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs province." overpowering excitement and concern. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may thin, with a long, sharp nose?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good events than those which have happened in my own family." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Yes, from Horsham." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Sholtos." enter Dr. Roylott's room." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which may never be exposed to such a temptation." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence you understand?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the one as in the other." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little never came back." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son I approached. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs helping a boy to put up the shutters. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford everything which you would wish to know." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little better in every way that they should make their position a little "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "How did that help you?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a stepfather?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection answered with a sidelong glance. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "And you don't know his address?" case-book, which he consulted. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the to a light-house. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I father's young wife. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a know what is wrong with it.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from him. ourselves in the office." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with to arrive at through this?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich that you saw all that I did." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to take care of herself." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and his huge brown hands. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to things are very often connected not with the larger but with the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every cup of tea. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Yes." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and me have 200 pounds?' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long happened." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he some mystery and the punishment of some crime." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was this Miss Turner." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried could not account in any way for the presence of the missing buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a not fit the lock." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been matter over." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We be there in time for your coming." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging matter over." lumber-room." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. to change my dress. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "You have a clue?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Yes." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all at once, for I have only half an hour." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I answered that I had not. "What is it, then--a fire?" these bleak autumnal evenings." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all and prosperity to your house. Good-night." were new raised from a basin. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "But she will refuse." papers must be those that are destroyed.' The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard problems help me to do so." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "May I see it?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that is so. I know all about McCarthy." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of morning." upon the white wrist. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached investigation." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut chance." wedding?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the side-table." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late congenial hunt. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Mrs. Toller serenely. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Pope's Court, Fleet Street." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed you do it in twenty minutes!' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me cigars in the box." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, of campaign. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Then you may be so with me." "The doctor?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "It came here." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. meanly of me." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to things are very often connected not with the larger but with the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "The Cedars?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "No, thank goodness, she did not." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'I have heard so.' seen the man in the road." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my a monotonous occupation." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Did you observe the colour?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned cause to be." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "My own seal." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, pictures, libraries, or plate. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My hard-headed British jury." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Yes." will he say when he returns?" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' "That is also quite modern," said the lady. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "What I expected to see." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." assist you in forming an opinion." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Murdered?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. shaken than I had ever seen him. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "What, then, did Peterson do?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Come in!" said Holmes. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that see a sister of mine apply for." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very indeed happy." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "You have compromised yourself seriously." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. in one or two places in England?' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, this man was intellectual?" "Here?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some in a friendly supper." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a than was visible to me." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Did you become engaged then?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable some place of shelter and let the county police know what has for its centre. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I woven round him. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "One of the highest in England." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'Quite sure, dad.' ventilator." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and whole matter to your consideration." against a man in the prime of life?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. trifles." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what to surprise her." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Witness: It was. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'A dozen yards or so.' whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the warnings." appeared upon the scene." gbnewby@pglaf.org the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "You have carte blanche." "Pray do so." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Well, but China?" observed. "Then the page we have seen--" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine matter." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot have had none more fantastic than this." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety legal crime." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our business in the City. She little knew what. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a