"Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain night.' said he. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who to-night." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door companion quietly. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "No legal papers or certificates?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert straighten it?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out test if we have an answer to our advertisement." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Yes, that is the Crown." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But ashen face. "And why?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had little trying to do so much typewriting?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered remarked. wall." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood test if we have an answer to our advertisement." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I was certainly surprised to find you there." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I think it very unlikely." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must fact, we may call it conclusive." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the morning and make my own way in the world.' number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you questioning and rather startled gaze. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it least a fellow-countryman. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles new acquaintance to Baker Street. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while good for you to do.' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your upon a handsome competence. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which taking in every detail of the apartment. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it allusion to a rat. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three followed. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as events than those which have happened in my own family." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a even of instruction." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." charged with?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know prisoner's face. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I have solved it." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. there!' "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I have solved it." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and suddenly upon us." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the are, I think, all that we need." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch directors have had misgivings upon the subject." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be in. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning I shall continue with my miserable story. the Assizes." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "How did you trace it, then?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, papers." "On the contrary, this is the right side." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his nothing of it?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant indeed happy." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my some terrible trap for her." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. waste of energy." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the bed, and you in that chair." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and companion. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "To ruin me." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have sake, don't!" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it later, upon the night of May 2nd." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to unclasping of his long thin hands. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" a room. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for call you and give you the chance." hopeless attempt at recovering them." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not John Swain, of St. Augustine. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Awake, Watson?" he asked. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the my special province." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Then I shall certainly come." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! up this clue while it is still hot." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I have seen the police." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I am in hopes that she does." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Yes." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and appeared upon the scene." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "But to whom?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." shaken than I had ever seen him. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "None." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of Mr. Rucastle's." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want new acquaintance to Baker Street. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of you?" "Have you her photograph?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he as this. Pray let me have the details." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Why serious?" should be so warm over such a trifle." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin national property. I was determined that the law should have its "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand had picked up in the wood. than to us. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been three fields round his house, and there he would take his It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was writer." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I points to suicide?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place outsides of the windows. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated characteristics, but those are the more obvious." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." taking in every detail of the apartment. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "This photograph!" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I know where it is." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Dr. Becher's." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "That sounds a little paradoxical." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." to Leatherhead. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power call the police, let the police find what they can.' narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Ten will be early enough." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "The knees of his trousers." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of even so self-evident a thing as that." "'And the work?' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'Most admirably.' "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you me where it went to?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Precisely so. But how--" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" of the way of danger. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Never." flock.' Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout strong and stiff." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had tell them apart.' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "But your client--" interested in these little problems, and since you are good "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have said he, "my real name is James Ryder." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "How did that help you?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, that you saw all that I did." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "And your father? Did you tell him?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to strength in the others." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off cigar and let me expound." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, The events in question occurred in the early days of my struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." standing smiling on the door-step. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the best of training." what is your own theory as to what took place?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His obstinate." awkward doing business with an alias." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, electronic works collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Yes, all." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then what I may call a really hard day's work." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "It is very kind of you." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the house with me." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "That was it, sir." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Well, but China?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the results."