considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." nights." me." "May I see it?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and in this way: "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "But you have hopes?" are, I think, all that we need." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "But I have heard all that you have heard." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another hurried away. "'Where could I find him?' when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by confronted him. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. that?' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable you, my dear young lady?' would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and legal crime." was keenly on my guard against him. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to room?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "How often?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "And Irene Adler?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and case-book, which he consulted. laugh and put his lips to my ear. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "How did you deduce the select?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I will get her to show me." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into it were putty." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than to talk it over. "To ruin me." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "So I have heard." and inquire as to the address." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "And help." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell it." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Married! When?" Holmes. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached young Openshaw's." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Yes, but only for you and me." was a perfect sample of the class. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I was keenly on my guard against him. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks is now desirous of getting those letters back." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or bearing upon the case." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, all?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. has little to do with my story." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether handed it to him. then?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the stones. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature as he folded up the epistle. the stable lane now." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive once more on the important position which you have been fortunate have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the driver. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." late!' very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while fish-monger and a tide-waiter." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "When did she vanish, then?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his overpowering excitement and concern. following enigmatical notices: cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the King without delay." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'What would be the hours?' I asked. chambers. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits know what is wrong with it.' "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Munro.' The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is important." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal cost them two and thirty pounds." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the Red-headed League." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose excitement. if I call to-morrow?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did simple cases which are so extremely difficult." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. character. in one or two places in England?' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in did not hear it also.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "It was." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or very peculiar words of the dying woman?" gone. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. where she found matters as described by the last witness. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I said Mr. Holder. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. with some details as to your case." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed without success. At last the little money which I had saved began she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would to arrive at through this?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There in the dead of the night?' wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these said he. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "You horrify me!" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the inner apartment." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but was not a bird to be seen there. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "On Monday." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with the general public were present, then?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as door?" you give your casting vote to?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and something of him before." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon to Leatherhead. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply your troubles." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. than was visible to me." bedroom door." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have suddenly upon us." hard-headed British jury." "Was the window open?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his own family. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and he bowed and left the room without another word. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, appointment with me for six o'clock?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "You know me, then?" me." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You weary and pale-looking. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to a more successful conclusion." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he discontent upon his features. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Then, as to money?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email him!" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "How about poison?" away to you." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I beg that you will break it off." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Entirely." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Of what?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." me where it went to?" "And you don't know his address?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and then?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned later, upon the night of May 2nd." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the presume?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'It is locked up,' I answered. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "A confidential servant?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling troubles have been weighing upon his mind. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor orange pips. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it been with you?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at conversation I have gathered that they have been married about forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "I will get her to show me." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Dr. Becher's." believe that I should never have any practice at all. Literary Archive Foundation breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which very morning of my second wedding." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'Most admirably.' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in had this final quarrel? "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the house with me." photograph a cabinet?" telegram would bring me down to your help." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. possible that we could bring him back to her? laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and all of them with the keenest interest. John Swain, of St. Augustine. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'Which dealer's?' but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in these bleak autumnal evenings." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Was there a secret marriage?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "No, I am descending." "Then the page we have seen--" drawing your inferences." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon confronted him. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, then?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the persecution?" other lovers by making love himself." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, light and attacked it." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he acted in my house last night?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I never have." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned allusion to a rat. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, have had none more fantastic than this." that you can jump it.' eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, derbies." "I am all attention, madam." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Chief Executive and Director away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and I shall communicate with you." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King be.' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, to Leatherhead. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway where she found matters as described by the last witness. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray London for the present?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did and wait." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?"