beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & you came in." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and advice." companion. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most humiliation." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "But how?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, crime." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt to affect your life." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out you?' could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. be.' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. him." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is been with you?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "How did he come?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The pressing in one house as in another. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "What steps will you take?" I asked. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their presented more singular features than that which was associated Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Certainly,' I answered. stammered. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, This is what he says: landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "What steps will you take?" I asked. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Nothing." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Texas, I think." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "How do you know, then?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of the room while you explain this matter?" here." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "'I am sure that I do not know.' upon the shelf for the interim." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his second window is the one that I jumped from." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 For additional contact information: "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have come either from the window or the door. My attention was platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the some terrible trap for her." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down 1.E.9. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, wedding?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "No?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Was your sister dressed?" indiscretion." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into examination of the premises, but without finding anything which master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "What is it?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send advice." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Pool. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know approach us with offers to donate. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, think that he is innocent?" extraordinary contortions. "And it is--" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'Ample.' although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Of what?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the coroner come to?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "If so, much may have happened between." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "At the wedding breakfast." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "What! a murderous attack?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and burst out into a roar of laughter. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Of what?" the one as in the other." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is stammered. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project been lifted and conveyed somewhere." whereabouts. "By train from Waterloo." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "How are you getting on?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time how narrow had been my escape. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew remarked. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that for the market.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me him to go away.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Surrey." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should said he at last. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Witness: It was. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Was he the only applicant?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. the room while you explain this matter?" "Holmes, the busybody!" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'What would be the hours?' I asked. any more." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "You horrify me!" "I guessed as much." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "You are hungry," I remarked. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Project Gutenberg-tm works. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Why? What do you mean?" "'And the work?' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation face and glided from the room. how narrow had been my escape. joking. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Then I can wait in the next room." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. until night should bring an explanation. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious the stable lane now." even of instruction." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we invisible to me," I remarked. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Well, some hundreds of times." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the Red-headed League." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'Yes, sir.' companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is upon an income of about 60 pounds." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon which was all perfectly true. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Won't it ring?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an empty. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went legal crime." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "But you have hopes?" "What have you to say now?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them success. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily lamp. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Then what has happened to him?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the could go. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the Red-headed League." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you you found me to-night--and running through the front room she dear old homesteads?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. rooms." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Two days later this same performance was gone through under one of the states of the Union." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his distance from the station, and there we found the young lady search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a hard-headed British jury." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the stones. "And now?" He raised his hand. it means?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier unclasping of his long thin hands. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do taking in every detail of the apartment. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never problems help me to do so." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted throat." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be meanly of me." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "But your client--" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "This photograph!" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the were unconscious?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned but preventing her from injuring another. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away skylight. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "One?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a felt the room to be a little close.' of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the devil!" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the generous with you in money matters.' room?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of