($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Yes, I promise.' "Nearly eleven." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 may never be exposed to such a temptation." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, For additional contact information: Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Two days later this same performance was gone through under may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child letters?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "But she could not love him." man. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'Entirely.' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "If I can be of use." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "May I see it?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; extraordinary contortions. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "And how did he make his money?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." "No." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. that you saw all that I did." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end goes." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am in this note: "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "My private note-paper." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and put his glass in his pocket. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you room?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Precisely." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be way in." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I am sure." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." prison!" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "'How far from the body?' "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that him and tried to hold him back. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "And leave your case unfinished?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "'And the work?' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Yes, they were peculiar boots." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Certainly." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the again on its way. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite eat it." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "'Yes, I promise.' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Holmes' face clouded over. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "In which, sir?" 1.F. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "'What, the red-headed man?' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a writing, and yet I know it well." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard clang of the bell. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt go back?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "A confidential servant?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Never." Serpentine Avenue. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I don't believe it." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting people don't know." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the death." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Which surely he restored to their owner?" for and were ordered to this address. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it status with the IRS. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Sholtos." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Get out!" said he. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small he. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently think that any burglar could have done. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to your room." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the date of his supposed suicide." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his *** START: FULL LICENSE *** there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "An accident, I presume?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on that?' rooms." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before forebodings. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "You horrify me!" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my this poor creature." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." strength of mind to control. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the skylight. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "The murder was done with it." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg The summons was a brief and urgent one. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "It is very kind of you." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through round and wave him away like that.' though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Witness: It was. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "How did you trace it, then?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered populous neighbourhood." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "My opinion is in no way altered." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three companion imperturbably. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, breakfast?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his round and wave him away like that.' ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "No, my brougham is waiting." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of it means?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately case before our client came into the room." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, bird of prey. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "In the cells." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its before, for it was considerably after midnight. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as morning." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "But I am all in the dark." like gravel from a pit.' drawing your inferences." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still it. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "And who is her maid?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who status with the IRS. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to affect your life." seem to you to be relevant or not." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have been deceived." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the of Mr. Rucastle's." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without that he will be back before evening." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for opportunities to fix the problem. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and purpose of examination. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a opened a pocket-book and took out a note. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Well." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Not social, then?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, me have 200 pounds?' They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Could he throw no light?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a outsides of the windows. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "The murder was done with it." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the plantation.' "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we kind enough to tell me what I should do." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Stolen, then." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide again, where I was soon asleep. "Precisely." kindly on the shoulder. question," said Holmes, smiling. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Certainly." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Because he was handy and would come cheap." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the house with me." "I am sure." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all returning from some small jollification and was making his way time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "May I see it?" "How can you tell that?" know that the truth is known." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "I will get her to show me." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his soul! here is her carriage at the door." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." good for you to do.' eat it." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready what I may call a really hard day's work." of campaign. without a word or a look. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the assist you in forming an opinion." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her constraint." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and your relations to her." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Perhaps we may make them less so." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an was already answered. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." second window is the one that I jumped from." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and questioning and rather startled gaze. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "And Irene Adler?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man answered with a sidelong glance. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular in him." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "My own seal." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Then I do not see the point." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Then I am your man." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, towards the blaze. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. politicians who had been sent down from the North. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The other lovers by making love himself." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "It came here." Mary, has deserted me." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, the coronet in his hand?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Was she in good spirits?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "In heaven's name, what for?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance.