on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has daring than any effort of the imagination." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were sneer upon his pale face. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most prisoner's face. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." in one or two places in England?' "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon States. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the followed. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "That is it on the dressing-table." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to presented more singular features than that which was associated with her." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the most interesting one." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, present." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, details." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Sutherland?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. late!' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your to-night." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a was keenly on my guard against him. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be placed his cuttings. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project horse could go." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "How did that help you?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "But his lameness?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back carried out of court." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Heh?' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Absolutely none." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it works. Serpentine Avenue. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I am still in the dark." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With guilty parties." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free of them has the shutters up.' "How often?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Yes, but only for you and me." visitors." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for emerged. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and it need not interfere very much with one's other from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, was a lad." "Oh, yes, easily." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his written. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt and your relations to her." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest returning from some small jollification and was making his way Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of sofa. This way, please!" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I have hopes." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when you." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "But you have hopes?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to you?' was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in lamp in his hand. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of unkempt, staring out at me. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "We have tried and failed." 1.F. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly her also." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a disappearance of these gems?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their charge against him will break down." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he round with crates and massive boxes. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but round and wave him away like that.' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only the salesman. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself read over the extraordinary announcement. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Where does the thing come from?' finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." the driver. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" pound a week." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, never came back." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand call it cruel." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, undoubtedly my uncle's." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and your equipment. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of think you a quite exceptional woman." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a bare slabs of marble. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray within hail.' disappearance of these gems?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "No more words. Get out!" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after writing, and yet I know it well." purpose equally well?" "Nothing." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as records." nothing with him." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all in your London, you will know that the office of the company is safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his said he. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I was afraid that you were engaged." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Literary Archive Foundation was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' very peculiar words of the dying woman?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found sit on the left-hand side of the driver." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client you in your example." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to neither fascinating nor artistic." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the general public were present, then?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "I think it very unlikely." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall depend upon my doing so.' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Street. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "That is easily got." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. guilty one." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Then he might have called to you?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I cannot think." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One fashion which was peculiar to him. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and with some details as to your case." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his place of silver." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Will you go?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it a monotonous occupation." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's such attractions and accomplishments?' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I would give my fortune to have them back." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I test if we have an answer to our advertisement." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER get her out of the way." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Yes, sir." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook tension within him. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the date of his supposed suicide." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Sutherland. all-comprehensive glances. "It surprised me." the matter." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding and glanced through. have I gained?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. could go. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'It is locked up,' I answered. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those walking." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself."