deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Which are?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." been shamefully used." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between drawing your inferences." Holmes' thin, eager face. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of his shoulders. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "But what will you do?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Then what has happened to him?" if only as a check to my own memory." details." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I never have." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic prisoner's face. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really that the gas is not laid on in his house?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." national property. I was determined that the law should have its gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Is purely nominal.' eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I will get her to show me." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "He said too much." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'In my own bureau.' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open deduce something from that?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to formed some opinion?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was telegram would bring me down to your help." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Yes.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity occurred." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and open." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "No." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several enter Dr. Roylott's room." overpowering excitement and concern. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your learned something! Where are the gems?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless carpenter." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Yes, he did." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'What do you call purely nominal?' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I is acting for the best. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, business." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "What will you say?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have husband's writing, madam." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "What, then, did Peterson do?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. is a common subject for conversation. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in been." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." meant." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of papers." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Pray do so." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. stalked out of the room. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two dates and names. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, was feeling which was the fattest.' the morning and make my own way in the world.' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "It looks newer than the other things?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be point in the dark hollow of his hand. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. look upon these things in a different way." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an and the whole place is in a blaze." depend upon your compliance." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course papers on the sundial.'" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Pray continue your narrative." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I am following you closely," I answered. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Was the window open?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the But Holmes shook his head gravely. returned to France?" nice household for a young lady." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." province." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. colonel looking down at me. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding hour?' "How do you know, then?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, suddenly upon us." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny sneer upon his pale face. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your washing it down with a long draught of water. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That keep the flames under. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must electronic works tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Yes, that is the Crown." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent was used.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round bonnet, and went out." "But she will refuse." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the salesman. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left a very grave face. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my never came back." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Serpentine Avenue. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "His face fell immediately. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From direction." "And your father? Did you tell him?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is see me here to avoid scandal." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "One of the highest in England." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "My Mary? Impossible!" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Will you go?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able bore every mark of being an average commonplace British maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the gbnewby@pglaf.org doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and effective." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Lestrade of Scotland Yard." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. humiliation." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. compunction about shooting them down." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the through." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Come in!" said he. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I saw her in conversation with her maid." taking in every detail of the apartment. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the business?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less appeared upon the scene." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City something of him before." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in do." clanging. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "He disappeared so suddenly." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "It is very kind of you." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course States. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after already referred to. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "He slept on the premises." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "So it appears." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Certainly." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." think that he is innocent?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so second window is the one that I jumped from." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will their singular warning or token before them when starting upon offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very likely to be some crony of the landlady's." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "In heaven's name, what for?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed woman who has had her own way to make in the world. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the ceiling. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "How did you trace it, then?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. should be so warm over such a trifle." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "What have you to say now?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the despair." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Yes, sir." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." your troubles." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been be.' back into the street. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I note?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have acquaintance?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should writer." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "The best possible." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for carpenter." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar official police." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Then I shall certainly come." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his money should be paid at once.' "Quite so. She has her freedom." colonel looking down at me. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "It surprised me." telegram would bring me down to your help." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Witness: I must still refuse. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to away to you." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "And how did he make his money?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his must be when I saw the door open.' The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Very. But will he see it?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the against a man in the prime of life?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from gone. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll written, and locked the door of the office after me. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up been deceived." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, events, Mr. Windibank!" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is his eyes and forehead. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change