"'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." fled together." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Entirely." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded a suggestive one." your sleep?' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Yes." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the devil!" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "By all means." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, sneer upon his pale face. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" as he folded up the epistle. hour." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he posted to-day." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "About a month then." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was locked." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one fluttered off among the others. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at carriage. It was a chestnut." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Pool. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. chamber." place of silver." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "In heaven's name, what for?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my bird of prey. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Holmes rather sternly. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's you." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his beg that you will break it off." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "She told me to ask you." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little away to you." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'Most admirably.' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution death." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about went to the Alpha were town bred." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'Which dealer's?' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "By train from Waterloo." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "How many? I don't know." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Pray continue your narrative." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Ha! you find it so?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was whatever might befall. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so with frightened eyes at his accuser. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found delighted to hear it," he said. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Tell me all about it,' said I. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." used to be." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good such attractions and accomplishments?' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "I should wish to." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from man. I know him from the photograph." Arthur Conan Doyle "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had a good hundred miles off by now." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the night.' "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the had formerly been in part my own. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Surrey." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I beg pardon." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away thin legs towards the fire. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "What office?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if This is what he says: "But how did you gain them?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. when you have done it." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a undoubtedly my uncle's." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "But you were on a friendly footing?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in will not take me long to tell. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own goes." "'Yes, I promise.' bachelor.' "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. chemical work which was so dear to him. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Was there a secret marriage?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I cannot imagine." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It was an hour's good drive." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a through." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys at my remark. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "What! Had he lost his wife?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "And I." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a were wasted." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat perplexity from it to my illustrious client. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler knowledge of the world." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "So I have heard." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "But of what society?" how narrow had been my escape. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "That was it, sir." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Have you it here?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Pray be precise as to details," said he. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "How did that help you?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and the colonel ushered me in. whatever might befall. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I future lives." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the other means.' there in twenty minutes." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it delighted to hear it," he said. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and have an American origin." her also." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined prison!" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the have an American origin." fasten all the windows?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Dr. Gregory B. Newby same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional in him." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "No, I think that I'll take it." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day sofa. This way, please!" "Oh, yes, easily." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "'Yes, sir.' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something hurried away. "Where did you address your letters, then?" opened the door, and slipped through. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I beg pardon." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Bought." not come at once?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the during which he might have communicated with his friend the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. eavesdroppers?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, gives a meaning to it." and the whole place is in a blaze." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and all that?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated following enigmatical notices: way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed his face which made him a very different person to the round, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the loss of it. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed bachelor.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The at once, for I have only half an hour." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Frequently." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, chance." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out ago." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "ARAT," I read. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Witness: I must still refuse. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "If so, much may have happened between." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding crowd. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after next day. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah lids now and glanced across at his visitor. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of that I am arrested." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the that the gas is not laid on in his house?"