"I promise," said Holmes. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. hour." "It is a murder, then?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Gutenberg-tm License. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat my friend's incisive reasoning. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "That also I could fathom." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train where Mr. Fordham shows you.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "But she could not love him." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my hour?' fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I have come for advice." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Where, indeed?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, minor matters until to-morrow." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Not in a good cause." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his IS bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to then?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Witness: Nothing definite. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. weary and pale-looking. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his cheerful." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet than to us. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while The note was undated, and without either signature or address. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "I shall be delighted." "My own seal." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. this unhappy family?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the do." "I am still in the dark." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Dr. Becher's." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "It is possible." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Have you her photograph?" "VIOLET HUNTER." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a security.' advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, these bleak autumnal evenings." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I fear not." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an frequently gained my first real insight into the character of clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the down. should be so warm over such a trifle." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the started for the Temple to see my husband. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "I should be immensely obliged to you." it." http://www.gutenberg.net "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are cup of tea. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander gives a meaning to it." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want It may be so in this case, also." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I am to be neutral?" "No sign of it?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a your troubles." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "9th. McCauley cleared. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he less than 26s. 4d. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the inner apartment." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "In what way?" asked Holmes. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "But his lameness?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the matter?" garden below. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms waste of energy." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "The Cedars?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry horse could go." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "That is unusual in a young girl." "In answer to an advertisement." "'You cannot say what it was?' this Miss Turner." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with could not have written that. It is the German who is so beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right quick march!" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the one as in the other." recover the gem." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a means taking possession of that which another person has a prior important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and glanced through. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "No." will take you up to see the machine.' seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "None." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action thirty. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Was he the only applicant?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a brandy and water within his reach. went to the Alpha were town bred." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. stepfather?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his when your master had gone out." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were his huge brown hands. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage point our research must commence, and we will begin it by given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is McCarthy." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a place of silver." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "They are typewritten," I remarked. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the were unconscious?" went to the Alpha were town bred." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Again Holmes raved in the air. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was six. Come in!" footfalls from the street. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the forbidden door. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird me what he had done with the three missing stones. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Where to?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any tension within him. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his always that they were such commands as a lady might with perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his go from here to the Strand." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "And what then?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, tell him that I know him to be innocent." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in directors have had misgivings upon the subject." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. gbnewby@pglaf.org spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of taking in every detail of the apartment. Farm upon the left." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging existence." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual use an arc-and-compass breastpin." nonsense.' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. investigation." will not take me long to tell. even so self-evident a thing as that." down. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She locked." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "How did you trace it, then?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course might help us?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He is now desirous of getting those letters back." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, together. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an out." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "But his left-handedness." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own views." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to-morrow." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "But how?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. been with you?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Heh?' was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your hopeless attempt at recovering them." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "But how did you gain them?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William suspect him." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It row." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. before the coroner and the police-court." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each see me here to avoid scandal." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. your co-operation." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Nothing?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug I nodded again. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious grasp, he hurried from the room. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting point in the dark hollow of his hand. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the of a light. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the roots. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "I am in hopes that she does." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was fait accompli?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far astonishment. "How do you know, then?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "What can you not understand?" "No?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Not I." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too system of imprisonment?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the meant it for the best. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "An enemy?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've