him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable you?' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue crackling voice. "VIOLET HUNTER." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. already been minutely examined." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'Certainly,' I answered. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the seem to you to be relevant or not." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Munro.' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Yes." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the affection." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would gentleman's clothes. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to he died? "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his throat." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with with you alone." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt of his shoulders. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Ah, but I was recommended to you." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was outside. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Were they all fastened this morning?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a dramatic, in fact." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook when you have done it." me." enough to aid us in our search." new acquaintance to Baker Street. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what hour." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit have accepted such a situation. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always been deceived." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can happened." locked." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Pray do so." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the entirely lost his self-respect." Chief Executive and Director "Yes." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my you do it in twenty minutes!' there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And how in the world did you find them?" "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and shall probably return to London by the evening train." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "My dear Holmes!" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a http://gutenberg.net/license). journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy of the vacancies.' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I cannot say that I have." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I fat-encircled eyes. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a said he. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works you do it in twenty minutes!' following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. have not had my rubber." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements outbreak?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece approach us with offers to donate. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to depend upon your compliance." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "And now?" I asked. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." posted to-day." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. goes." over with notes and figures. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "What! a murderous attack?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'Certainly not.' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'Very good.' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "And you thought he was pulled back?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab there!' yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than fatally injured? quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are some city in a dream. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ordinary clothes on?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for 11:15.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long them?" "My own seal." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "But you can know nothing of this?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the coronet in his hand?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the chamber." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the opportunities to fix the problem. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, me. You must get home instantly and act." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, matter." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Farm upon the left." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Pool. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "This photograph!" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Eh? What was that?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It already been minutely examined." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to became a certainty. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy singular points about the case. What did the police think of the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the is worth.' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "And the cigar-holder?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, prepare for the new role I have to play." "The knees of his trousers." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I have come for advice." and capable of preserving a secret.' handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill bill, which interests me deeply." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. galvanised. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which some terrible trap for her." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I have a cab outside." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his questioning and rather startled gaze. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Then I am your man." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of him!" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'Yes, sir.' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" girl said." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," retorted upon me, and I on you." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I was certainly surprised to find you there." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend problems help me to do so." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? and looked back. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Yes, I have one waiting." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "My private note-paper." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I purpose of examination. "I fear not." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face hour." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's works. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." have accepted such a situation. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its think that any burglar could have done. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one wanted for ourselves." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "What! You do not mean bodies?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Ten will be early enough." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "But how did you gain them?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Pool. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he reach." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up new duties?' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Perhaps we may make them less so." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "This concluded the examination of the witness." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. always that they were such commands as a lady might with and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "By no means." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he help us in this matter." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater ago." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence six. Come in!" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. noting anything else of interest. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as unkempt, staring out at me. to a light-house. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took of this gang." Leadenhall Street--and--" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Was the window open?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'I have already given you my word.' "Yes, all." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this astonishment. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Of what?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. him to go away.' did not hear it also.' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "To an English lawyer named Norton." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Leadenhall Street--and--" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is habit of advancing money.' "'What, the red-headed man?' the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination should be taken.' "How often?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been unkempt, staring out at me. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after which our visitor detailed to us. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post