as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me paper in the air. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we returning from some small jollification and was making his way he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Did your wife hear all this?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips night.' said he. any little problem which you may submit to me." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent hardly wander." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. morning." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in certainly not very gracious." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I death." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not them, and came down just as you departed. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Not yet." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is you." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his and that he would see to anything that turned up. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he villagers almost as much as their master. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed kind enough to tell me what I should do." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "You heard nothing yourself last night?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of ill-usage at the hands of fortune. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by ashen face. one's self under obligations.' "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I fear not." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'Certainly not. But why?' only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "And your mother is alive?" the Red-headed League." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to of Fenchurch Street." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "He disappeared so suddenly." the child." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up never to learn it at all." them, and came down just as you departed. "What is it, then--a fire?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over fatally injured? You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly one's self under obligations.' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Nor running a chance of arrest?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he it with his own hands." "'Yes.' my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Well, but China?" "My own seal." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I am in hopes that she does." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." corner of the building. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I have seen the police." have accepted such a situation. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a papers must be those that are destroyed.' him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "He is dead," cried several voices. like gravel from a pit.' "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds have an American origin." What do you deduce from it?" formed some opinion?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a you came in." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "You have compromised yourself seriously." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. go--none." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set thirty. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. thought that she would have been so carried away." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average call you and give you the chance." "But you can know nothing of this?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of that I may have something better before very many minutes are "You have the photograph?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she like gravel from a pit.' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or yet." "It is half-past ten now." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I go back?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' drove away. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was that I can to serve you." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I would give my fortune to have them back." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Miss Holder?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into in his hands." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is for securing the situation." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually over with notes and figures. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I am in hopes that she does." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "What, then, did Peterson do?" she might be summoned. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the south-west, I see." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, invisible to me," I remarked. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as suggested at once that there must be a communication between the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my nonsense.' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know rooms." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the retorted upon me, and I on you." to tackle the facts." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The you give your casting vote to?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the which are rolled in Rotterdam." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I see no marks." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the to tell." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the within hail.' "I answered that I had not. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. colonel looking down at me. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it to me. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon until night should bring an explanation. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Yes." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'What, the red-headed man?' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is was a perfect sample of the class. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is so far?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "The rest you will leave in our hands." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "No." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. tail." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his there when the Rucastles went away." "And that is--" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and never came back." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he to-night." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah stalked out of the room. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a friends, not even his own brother. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'How far from the body?' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Cross for the Continent." "ARAT," I read. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." any more." "Just look it up, then." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "'No, I know no one in these parts.' her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the quick march!" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "That is unusual in a young girl." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a call the police, let the police find what they can.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "A client, then?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to head. So long, then!" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and no precautions can guard against." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as some water from a caraffe. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the have I gained?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my wedding?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "BALLARAT." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the lamp in his hand. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip in the port of London." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "I assure you that I am in your hands." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the the little opening for the ventilator is." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "None." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the inquest, and which are worth considering." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to trifles." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Did you observe the colour?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "No good news?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and other means.' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with your bag." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "The decline of his fortunes, then?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "A call for help, you thought?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings discontent upon his features. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a himself to hunt down. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key details." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "No good news?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Her father is very rich?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot