As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Yes, certainly." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK occupations.' "'Most admirably.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the one else, I think." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "You forget that I know nothing about it." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I see many objections to any such theory." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for is four-and-twenty." waste of energy." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "I cannot as yet see any connection." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE corner of the building. "I cannot think." open." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts laugh and put his lips to my ear. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Perhaps I have." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." it." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid during that time.' is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the night.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of like gravel from a pit.' were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There was the fact that his father should, according to his account, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." astonishment. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try spark where all is dark to me." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you papers." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. asked with his eyes open. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, not, dad?" she asked. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And why?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Texas, I think." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. side. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and jewels which you have stolen?' advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Certainly, madam." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far completely overtopped every other consideration that we both as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of just called myself is not exactly my own." "Yes, it was twisted." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Never." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps nothing with him." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the was a loud and authoritative tap. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Then you may entirely rely on me." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is of Fenchurch Street." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Sutherland. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the side-table." "The knees of his trousers." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "You heard nothing yourself last night?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either washing it down with a long draught of water. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the of the way of danger. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from lamp. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "The knees of his trousers." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply matter." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'There is a drive, then?' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "What is it, then--a fire?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "But I am all in the dark." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "About a month then." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them lamp in his hand. Sholtos." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but astonishment. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and never to learn it at all." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'Where to?' smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." present." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Sutherland. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "'I am sure if I had known--' part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a husband's writing, madam." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "At what time?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. bell. Holmes whistled. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at McCarthy." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of standing smiling on the door-step. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without little adventures." husband's writing, madam." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you been anything against him. He had for years been known as a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the if I call to-morrow?" in one or two places in England?' case-book, which he consulted. October 9, 1890. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for hair?' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Then I shall certainly come." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. papers must be those that are destroyed.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, one which it was hard to resist. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." washing it down with a long draught of water. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "No, thank goodness, she did not." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if directly by questioning you." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are of the vacancies.' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "What have you to say now?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in into her hand at the door and which lured her within their glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "But what harm can there be in that?" my room." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both examine." shoulder; "he's all right." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon chemical work which was so dear to him. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an carpenter." "His face fell immediately. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "I have solved it." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most and files of the old papers, following the future career of every fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should future lives." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have to affect your life." unprofitable." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "In San Francisco, a year ago." me what he had done with the three missing stones. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most morning." shaken than I had ever seen him. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before galvanised. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and certainly do as you advise." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Then what has happened to him?" "Do you go out much in society?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "But you were on a friendly footing?" him nearly every evening." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "You think that he is dead?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all sentimental considerations in the background which would induce public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I promise," said Holmes. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw test if we have an answer to our advertisement." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. weighed down with some great anxiety. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I shall be delighted." been with you?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of fine shops and stately business premises that they really it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about said I. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend furiously. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "That sounds a little paradoxical." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Only as much as we can deduce." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from next day. the inner apartment." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Yes." fishes. it were putty." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is eavesdroppers?' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal business." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Not in a good cause." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you said he, "my real name is James Ryder." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Thank you. Pray proceed." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he best detective that ever lived. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "And you can do nothing until then?" village inn over there?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Certainly." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." main points of my analysis." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'And the work?' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar she slowly sank and died without having recovered her I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His His name is Francis Prosper." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'How far from the body?' and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to not personally threatened." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. manager. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Perhaps we may make them less so." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. that he will be back before evening." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the salesman. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Nothing." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of way in." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the lamp. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "On the contrary, this is the right side." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought believe that I should never have any practice at all. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Well." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to your sleep?' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the other lovers by making love himself." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "And how did you find out?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "It was." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I know where it is." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to in the port of London." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in hardly wander." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, be best to do. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at opportunities to fix the problem. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely But Holmes shook his head gravely. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." client, rising. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could