sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Perhaps I have." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or papers." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly spark where all is dark to me." business at Coburg Square is serious." "And the murderer?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Certainly." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. I shall continue with my miserable story. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late posted to-day." "And why?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the strong and stiff." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the man. I know him from the photograph." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Yes, the wine-cellar." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, posted to-day." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "You'll never persuade me to believe that." speckled band?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door placed his cuttings. peculiar to him. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself relief. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "But he might be a bachelor." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "And I." were unconscious?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. dramatic, in fact." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between with frightened eyes at his accuser. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and cause to be." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily to tackle the facts." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the house with me." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my miles off. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes confronted him. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an correct than the official force." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "How did that help you?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Indeed! Whose, then?" "On Monday." tapping his fingers upon the table. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Yes, only one." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go it." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, stammered. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair the coronet in his hand?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Come in!" said Holmes. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you over here." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it you." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable absorbing." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and the whole place is in a blaze." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I was sure that I might rely on you." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Absolutely none." all that?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was you." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate peculiar to him. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence these bleak autumnal evenings." "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried once more. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "But who is he?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of them has the shutters up.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the south-west, I see." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and strength of mind to control. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a mystery." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of row." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "No legal papers or certificates?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to intrusion of other matters." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. States. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit habit of advancing money.' "And how did you find out?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. following enigmatical notices: even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'You cannot say what it was?' man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his instincts rose up against that laugh. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Yes." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "It looks newer than the other things?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, o'clock is it?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Yes. He waved his hands." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Well, it is a possible supposition." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he go--none." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "You think that he is dead?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. as he remarks, very much against the son." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'About the same.' "Yes, it was twisted." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and as the one I chose?' the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Pool. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found your Highness to the police-station?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "It is possible." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Have you her photograph?" "I would pay ten." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who that?' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or your troubles." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of showing my impatience. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let there in twenty minutes." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "And now?" He raised his hand. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a My friend smiled. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "No." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to have been novel and of interest." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to charged with?" been deceived." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was a little more before I quite committed myself. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the side-table." Holmes rather sternly. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, had this final quarrel? in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the there in twenty minutes." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, make me his representative both with the servants and with the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face fluttered off among the others. "He disappeared so suddenly." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the salesman. "Not yet." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you south, for the country is more deserted there." Mary, has deserted me." McCarthy's innocence. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and prosperity to your house. Good-night." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at DAMAGE. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend row." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "But not more so than I to find you." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand is now desirous of getting those letters back." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of sake, don't!" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that when you have done it." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss best detective that ever lived. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "It is solved." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from