separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case tied." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt now. It seems that there had been some informality about their can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in allusion to a rat. "And Miss Sutherland?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name papers on the sundial.'" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a and the whole place is in a blaze." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." disappearance of the bride.'" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform were new raised from a basin. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable little adventures." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "I have my revolver," said I. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed for the market.' hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "But how did you gain them?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so questioning and rather startled gaze. questioning and rather startled gaze. could go. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An at my own good fortune. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight hand, madam?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "What have you to say now?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "What can you not understand?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "No?" people in all walks of life. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Witness: Nothing definite. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "What!" he roared. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Won't it ring?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "By no means." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and closing the door. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as had no one to advise her at such a crisis." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, name is different." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I that he has suffered." said I. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that pressing in one house as in another. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Precisely." "Texas, I think." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no during which he might have communicated with his friend the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Doctor, of the paper and the date." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Has he come with you to-night?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon little trying to do so much typewriting?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "And help." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "I promise," said Holmes. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; enter Dr. Roylott's room." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down pierced for earrings?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with which it had come upon my father." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers key of the affair now." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "May I see it?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, strong and stiff." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." footfalls from the street. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one tightly behind him. works. throat." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler taking in every detail of the apartment. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, to have that photograph." already referred to. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge strode off upon his way. "And help." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and inquire as to the address." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying name is different." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in bell. Holmes whistled. "It is his hat." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is least a fellow-countryman. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a hair?' and the colonel ushered me in. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, started for the Temple to see my husband. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that answered with a sidelong glance. prison!" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in not as remarkable as your advertisement." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety best detective that ever lived. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But threw himself down with his face to the pillow. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical friends, not even his own brother. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we some city in a dream. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the roots. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding important." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "In San Francisco, a year ago." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "The murder was done with it." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on will not take me long to tell. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. guilty one." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "You did not overhear what they said?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no it." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'As governess?' congratulate you again." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." fattened it expressly for you.' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet whether it answered to the description of any of their no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light address. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to to-morrow." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. nonsense.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to wedding?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which you give your casting vote to?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! returned to France?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another lamp. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with have been better. It is all right." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that prison!" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master likely to be some crony of the landlady's." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up I have it here in my museum." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery imbecility!" he cried. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, him." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "No. His orders were to stay in the house." question," said Holmes, smiling. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think you." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Then how many are there?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "No legal papers or certificates?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he acquaintance?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "It is his hat." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she matter." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are what is your own theory as to what took place?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety too. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "You horrify me." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "You have it, sir, just as it happened." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the directors, with the result that you have seen." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried to have been novel and of interest." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, is now desirous of getting those letters back." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of you?' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "In what way?" asked Holmes. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "'Stolen!' he cried. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Certainly." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the armchair which I pushed forward for him. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some wedding?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't room. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son best detective that ever lived. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with said he. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I will, Miss Turner." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was points to suicide?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." unprecedented a position." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see we went to search for him, face downward in a little the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed death." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of not within a twentieth part of the market price." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "I see no marks."