walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw fatally injured? "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." events, Mr. Windibank!" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Yes." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Again Holmes raved in the air. her also." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "What of the rat, then?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I noble correspondent could be. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp clanging. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." posted to-day." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Pope's Court, Fleet Street." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Where is it, then?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Munro.' "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce where Mr. Fordham shows you.' carpenter." "My photograph." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of the child." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church tell him that I know him to be innocent." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the very morning of the wedding." was a perfect sample of the class. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and is worth.' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Look there!" said he. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." his cane at the bell-pull. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very most interesting one." and wait." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "And the cigar-holder?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Heh?' astonishment. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his will take you up to see the machine.' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet of campaign. sound at heart." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding heavily into it. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a me. You must get home instantly and act." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you page at http://pglaf.org bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'I am sure if I had known--' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "But he might be a bachelor." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "To an end?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the Assizes." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Yes. He waved his hands." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "In answer to an advertisement." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Never to return." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit unprofitable." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "None." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his think, you have already met." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then not use it unless it is absolutely needed." goes." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years frequently gained my first real insight into the character of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Here?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "In which, sir?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever second window is the one that I jumped from." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint someone who had been in Australia." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "From his hat?" stammered. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the crowd. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an You want to know what became of those geese?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such quickly through a disagreeable task. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the helping a boy to put up the shutters. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in be best to do. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "But you were on a friendly footing?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over is entirely a question of barometric pressure." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Really! You surprise me." off." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' question you as to those details which seem to me to be most soul! here is her carriage at the door." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded long narrative. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Has he come with you to-night?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. late." society." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Then, as to money?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "You have the photograph?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous him and tried to hold him back. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "No, distinctly professional." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the astonishment. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he strength of mind to control. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." had picked up in the wood. the Red-headed League." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong views." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his congratulate you again." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or deduce something from that?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Yes, it was twisted." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" prisoner's face. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my it. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I writers could invent nothing more crude." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "You have a clue?" "Why serious?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Stolen, then." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "He might." "Frequently." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Street. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very nice household for a young lady." "'Entirely.' new duties?' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Nor running a chance of arrest?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he you give your casting vote to?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in new acquaintance to Baker Street. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for occurred." side. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have learned something! Where are the gems?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'What would be the hours?' I asked. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and over with notes and figures. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some compunction about shooting them down." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was miles off. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are me." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at heavily into it. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, happened." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he any more." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which bed dies. Does not that strike you?" had picked up in the wood. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the enough to aid us in our search." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "In what way?" asked Holmes. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "I cannot tell." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "But your client--" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the compunction about shooting them down." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a and the whole place is in a blaze." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When if I call to-morrow?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Yes, it would be as well." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "And you thought he was pulled back?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I cannot say that I have." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had to tackle the facts." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Was there a secret marriage?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Dark enough and sinister enough." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "And how have you succeeded?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he ashen face. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "That also I could fathom." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I chance at all." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Were they all fastened this morning?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "And how did you verify them?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty photograph?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I am armed." sneer upon his pale face. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Quite so. She has her freedom." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "I am following you closely," I answered. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "You have the photograph?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of