"I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking least a most suspicious remark." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the driver. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for deduce something from that?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is place, I think that there is good ground to think that the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a IS was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be upon the sideboard." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too I have it here in my museum." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, maiden herself was most instructive." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "That sounds a little paradoxical." London for the present?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Well, it is a possible supposition." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Nothing." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Then the page we have seen--" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies bearing upon the case." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may this poor creature." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "But how will you look?" "There are none." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all said I. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment should be so warm over such a trifle." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of later, upon the night of May 2nd." help us in this matter." instituted." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the out." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "You have compromised yourself seriously." there in twenty minutes." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Never." front of me. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "And it is--" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should notes," he said. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of you in yours." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. interested in these little problems, and since you are good pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, went to the Alpha were town bred." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'I am sure that I do not know.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would outbreak?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the roots. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than weighed down with some great anxiety. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are laugh and put his lips to my ear. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever returned to France?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a here." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found tightly behind him. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City chamber." "It is very clear." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Have you her photograph?" you." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all answered with a sidelong glance. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our plantation.' Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "And now?" He raised his hand. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Then I do not see the point." was lame." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was interested in these little problems, and since you are good when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "He slept on the premises." "And you can do nothing until then?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the without a word or a look. indeed which he could not unravel. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." key turn in the lock." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural ashen face. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram secret." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "This concluded the examination of the witness." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up were unconscious?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made to have been novel and of interest." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite invisible to me," I remarked. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "And why in hopes?" "No sign of it?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he trifles." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "You have the photograph?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I am all attention, madam." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large shoulder; "he's all right." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty like that before?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Game for a morning drive?" "Did your wife hear all this?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my over his head with a sweet womanly caress. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I will, Miss Turner." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "No." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have 1.E.9. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a examine." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, might have a private word with us. "That was it, sir." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle said I. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook one else, I think." closely." "Where is it, then?" "Upon what point?" "I say that I have solved it." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Not in the least." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to that, and I came down." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "No." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the coronet in his hand?" bonnet, and went out." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little telegram would bring me down to your help." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Do you receive much company?" he asked. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the south-west, I see." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, examine." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "But it has twice been burgled." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "And I." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the coronet in his hand?" Holmes' thin, eager face. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "How on earth--" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. said I. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, indiscretion." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with foot. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Do you know him?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs one which it was hard to resist. locked." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having been." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Dr. Becher's." examine." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the I shall communicate with you." hereditary King of Bohemia." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was American. Then who could this American be, and why should he strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" floor. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, success. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even handed it to him. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the easy-going way." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an I shall communicate with you." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship seem to you to be relevant or not." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Was the window open?" do.' ourselves in the office." "The murder was done with it." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we least a fellow-countryman. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the seen the man in the road." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always morning." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was companion. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more ready to-morrow?' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Did your wife hear all this?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done not fit the lock." his forehead." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Pray let us have it, for all that." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "What do you make of that, Watson?" "There are none." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "The murder was done with it." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in burst into a hearty fit of laughter. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition instituted." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the coronet at all injured?" article?" Cross for the Continent." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There giving me time to thank him. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Where did he live, then?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work of receipt of the work. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I am still in the dark." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "A call for help, you thought?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into went to the Alpha were town bred." throat." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "And sit in the dark?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "I guessed as much." strength of mind to control. guilty one." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the coronet in his hands?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My During two years I have had three consultations and one small lids now and glanced across at his visitor. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." were new raised from a basin. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "BALLARAT." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been behind me. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'How far from the body?' subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and companion imperturbably. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang amused." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "A greater distance to travel." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Perfectly so." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we