in a very precise fashion." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I never have." "'And what salary do you ask?' "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "And what then?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "What of the rat, then?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" our word." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true salesman. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Certainly, madam." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover his fortune, and I went back to pa. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and asked. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Eyford." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "I will do it." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their thirty. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on formed some opinion?" might help us?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "'Yes, I promise.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. imbecility!" he cried. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Look there!" said he. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken of your young ladies.' test if we have an answer to our advertisement." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned them?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "I was mad--insane." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "The murder was done with it." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Witness: I must still refuse. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given had formerly been in part my own. ways of our fellow-men." made him keep the appointment." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the so-precious time, but come!' a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and forecastle of an emigrant ship. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by foot. morning." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. your equipment. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that that, and I came down." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his throat." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the date of his supposed suicide." done what I asked you, Jones?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and asked. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual subject to the trademark license, especially commercial bell. Holmes whistled. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, friend's singular character. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR bore every mark of being an average commonplace British vault. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a open." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and key turn in the lock." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. to-night." business." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I do." "Yes." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary October 9, 1890. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "How about poison?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. for securing the situation." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his tightly behind him. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a habit of advancing money.' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's comes from the middle window." "Absolutely none." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." begun to whiten, even as mine has." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does interested in these little problems, and since you are good make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Very truly yours, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I will do it." Pope's Court. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a your Highness to the police-station?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. that, and I came down." "None." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. definite end. to talk it over. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for opened the door, and slipped through. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Yes." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of detained." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he think that he is innocent?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Tired-looking or fresh?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. in him." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "A client, then?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and was used.' was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I was sure that I might rely on you." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Then I do not see the point." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Game for a morning drive?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came next day. questioning and rather startled gaze. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that ventilator." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but all-comprehensive glances. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'You doubt its value?' he asked. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly own family. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. without a word or a look. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner very peculiar words of the dying woman?" enter into my head. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your on re-entering her father's house?" it right.' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of I approached. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "By train from Waterloo." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Do you know him?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Watson," he said cordially. public press." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "And how did he make his money?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "How did he come?" the matter." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Stolen, then." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had straighten it?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of note-paper. It read in this fashion: the date of his supposed suicide." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing individual and becomes the badge of a society." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, have an American origin." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Imitated." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Yes. He waved his hands." hour?' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Here?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more question. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Then, how do you know?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a tightly behind him. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her during which he might have communicated with his friend the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Not him." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I cannot as yet see any connection." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." obstinate." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and examine." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring girl said." "The Coroner: What do you mean? with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear brain must have something in it." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to your only hope of safety." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "But who is he?" unprofitable." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met if only as a check to my own memory." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it may have an influence upon European history." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his words came to my lips. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His