"If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in weapon." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The will take you up to see the machine.' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who murdered man." is a common subject for conversation. "Witness: It was. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Did you become engaged then?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Will you bet, then?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his occupations.' "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I cannot tell." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Nothing." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further experiences." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you what do you think they found in the pockets?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded strong and stiff." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "How can you tell that?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." appeal." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates call you and give you the chance." "Why did you pick him?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated narrative." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Perhaps I have." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to rose-bushes. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly me what he had done with the three missing stones. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I don't say that. Perhaps." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing you for a few hours?" "But his left-handedness." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of I took the paper from him and read as follows: "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were only touch the interest." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. distinguish the words: "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "I do." "Why did you pick him?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." once more. arrested. You then--" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small bore every mark of being an average commonplace British on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Stoke Moran?" said he. "I have seen the police." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Yes. He waved his hands." yards of it?' "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Nearly eleven." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "And Miss Sutherland?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused should be taken.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had in the port of London." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Ah!" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "And how?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police best detective that ever lived. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my window when the police appeared." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Yes, sir." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who wanted for ourselves." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while to arrive at through this?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the spare." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I assure you that I am in your hands." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not business?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I am armed." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your kind enough to tell me what I should do." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "What can it mean?" I gasped. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with you." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Have you her photograph?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." what these perils are?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down which are rolled in Rotterdam." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I and glanced through. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Dr. Gregory B. Newby madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low colonel looking down at me. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout hand, madam?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Thank you. And your address?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "That is possible." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man grasp, he hurried from the room. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "No, my brougham is waiting." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the in him." evidence," I remarked. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Yes, that is the Crown." "It is very clear." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his roused himself from his reverie. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in name is different." "You were travelling in the States?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which letters?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I am sure." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their constraint." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "In the cells." fat-encircled eyes. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears posted to-day." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "In heaven's name, what for?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by paper in the air. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the room while you explain this matter?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "You are hungry," I remarked. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Won't it ring?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Of Friday, June 19th." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my friends, not even his own brother. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the room while you explain this matter?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "I am to be neutral?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any overpowering excitement and concern. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I promise," said Holmes. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest returned to France?" will he say when he returns?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "And leave your case unfinished?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "You have but to name it." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I will try. What is it?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what infinite languor in his face. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, disturbance in my wife." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a really the only notable feature about the thing." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Perhaps we may make them less so." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some little adventures." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of that I am arrested." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into do.' "'And what salary do you ask?' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? foot. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Is he quiet?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I am in hopes that she does." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Game for a morning drive?" prisoner's face. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was this unhappy family?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first October 9, 1890. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'Tell me all about it,' said I. conduct the inquiry." "What of the rat, then?" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no them?" at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will it with his own hands." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us