door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the flock.' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck touch that coronet?' pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Proceed, then." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'Where could I find him?' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred these bleak autumnal evenings." generous with you in money matters.' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely him to be an active member of the medical profession." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at carriage. It was a chestnut." the matter?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Edgeware Road. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he tell them apart.' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, bird I ate is country bred." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the yourselves in at night?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "And the cigar-holder?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at views." "At the wedding breakfast." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "What are they?" words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the window, rose as we entered. unprecedented a position." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the all that?" outside. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets stepfather?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Clair, of Lee." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it reach." "I see no marks." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, without a word or a look. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "What then?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." States. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary been anything against him. He had for years been known as a The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said to go into your room and bar your shutters?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does obstinate." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Surrey." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would as he folded up the epistle. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman is entirely a question of barometric pressure." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. to surprise her." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. wedding?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her than was visible to me." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to have not had my rubber." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very through." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his kind enough to tell me what I should do." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Clair, of Lee." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police corner of the building. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "What are they?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. and I shall be with you presently." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I am about to be married." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced like that before?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" you." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He have an American origin." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, which are rolled in Rotterdam." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was to change my dress. "'Ten to two.' "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at people in all walks of life. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind corner of the building. "Where did you address your letters, then?" upon the white wrist. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "What do you mean?" "It looks newer than the other things?" eavesdroppers?' especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will one of the states of the Union." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "My opinion is in no way altered." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it fled together." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, in the hope of finding them." "Your French gold?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. presume?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the south-west, I see." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in very morning of my second wedding." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Yes." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said roused himself from his reverie. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the Assizes." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Again Holmes raved in the air. "You will not go there first?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads that I may have something better before very many minutes are his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his to Leatherhead. hair?' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes appeared upon the scene." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Yes, it was twisted." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "You will not go there first?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "His face fell immediately. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the stones. "You have the photograph?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "It certainly sounds feasible." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Can I be of assistance?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Come in!" said he. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." one of them." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made McCarthy." wife's character?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "And I to find an enemy." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' into her hand at the door and which lured her within their be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Thank you. Pray proceed." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Then you may be so with me." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on that you wished to speak to me?' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of of the way of danger. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I am to be neutral?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Pray do so." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "And how in the world did you find them?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "That is also quite modern," said the lady. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to that I may have something better before very many minutes are the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "None." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to come either from the window or the door. My attention was increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Witness: I must still refuse. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Well?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Here?" legal crime." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped front of the hall door has given its name to the place. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some occupations.' like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" death." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, was shining brightly. "I cannot think." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the lost nothing by them." of Fenchurch Street." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. not personally threatened." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Do you know him?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me mystery!" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that better in every way that they should make their position a little down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Street. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Munro.' father's place of business?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an of receipt of the work. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. not within a twentieth part of the market price." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless arms and began to sob in a high treble key. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Then I do not see the point." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But what will you do?" the driver. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Not yet." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "It is his hat." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage appeal." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'Yes.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Where to?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and death." eavesdroppers?' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also."