my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "And how did he make his money?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a once more to my work. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. only touch the interest." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding them?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "But his left-handedness." letters?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the your troubles." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to Leatherhead. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Only as much as we can deduce." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "It's nothing of the kind." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Certainly." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "10th. John Swain cleared. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be shaken than I had ever seen him. "I will not look." "The vanishing of the lady." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. was used.' police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Not social, then?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and manager. purpose of examination. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the third from London." read it out to me." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and it need not interfere very much with one's other ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'Not at all. I only doubt--' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'And what salary do you ask?' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a answered with a sidelong glance. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began strength in the others." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy 'I should be able to look after that for you.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something out." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, DAMAGE. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. fat-encircled eyes. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "What, then, did Peterson do?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "The decline of his fortunes, then?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Nothing." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Yes." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your a room. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "But who is he?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "No. His orders were to stay in the house." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." your equipment. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased towards the blaze. society." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. chair. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "You heard nothing yourself last night?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "And why?" a little more before I quite committed myself. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Surrey." "'Stolen!' he cried. to you." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these could not account in any way for the presence of the missing notes," he said. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, very old mansion. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. clang of the bell. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp do.' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Then I can wait in the next room." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step everything which you would wish to know." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a walking." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A was already answered. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. handed it to him. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I business matters.' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the is now desirous of getting those letters back." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Well, but China?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "This photograph!" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Lestrade of Scotland Yard." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Not yet." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "What! You do not mean bodies?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "What then?" there!' twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Dr. Gregory B. Newby then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "No." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some his huge brown hands. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you a monotonous occupation." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The success. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'As governess?' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "I do." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, and all of them with the keenest interest. presented more singular features than that which was associated "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet voice. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Entirely." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing should be so warm over such a trifle." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is you in yours." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and at once, for I have only half an hour." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Yes. He waved his hands." "'Ample.' companion. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Not in the least." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which late!' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he on re-entering her father's house?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should questionable one." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "What!" he roared. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw several quiet little villages up there." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." client, rising. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and evidence," I remarked. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one before, for it was considerably after midnight. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with what these perils are?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the know what is wrong with it.' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid meanly of me." Foundation attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill look upon these things in a different way." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. into the bag, and made for the door. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "And I say east," said my patient. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in occurred." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. lamp. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the feature." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked distance from the station, and there we found the young lady happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's detained." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Precisely." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "My photograph." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. bird I ate is country bred." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and people don't know." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much galvanised. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; at my own good fortune. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Yes." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." and put his glass in his pocket. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are get the tickets." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. direction." "That is unusual in a young girl." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but paper in the air. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little habit of advancing money.' towards the blaze. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I one or two very singular points about this room. For example, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb weigh very heavily upon my conscience." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "How did he come?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "It is possible." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and have this put in the evening papers." read it out to me." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "By no means." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the window, rose as we entered. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a I shall communicate with you." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they compunction about shooting them down." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Oh, no.' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Thank you. And your address?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Nearly eleven." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder nothing of it?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his leaning back in his chair. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "No. What a strange idea!" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who gigantic client. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." cost them two and thirty pounds." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that heavy and sharp instrument." "No." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police back into the street. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, flock.' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, society." there when the Rucastles went away." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." retorted upon me, and I on you." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door it all. You just read it for yourself, sir."