tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that said I. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that had picked up in the wood. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I will get her to show me." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "And the cigar-holder?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your asked. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his you." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the than to us. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it locked. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. out." in the hope of finding them." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Perfectly so." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Quite sure, dad.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four as yours." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular interests were the same as his." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "What do you mean?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, head. So long, then!" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. lumber-room." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" anything to do with the matter?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of laugh and put his lips to my ear. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at call for it in person on Monday morning.' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been secret." south, for the country is more deserted there." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'Most admirably.' "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "What can it mean?" I gasped. is acting for the best. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "And did you observe any change in her then?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high DAMAGE. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. business at Coburg Square is serious." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than begun to whiten, even as mine has." would apply.' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking carried out of court." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and laid it on the table. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly lost his Christmas dinner." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me door?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which The summons was a brief and urgent one. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Precisely." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other to tackle the facts." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia had a long day." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "So I heard. You have him here?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. mystery may be cleared along those lines." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "My photograph." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a remarked. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "It came here." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Dirty?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the and laid it on the table. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face gives a meaning to it." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I know where it is." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the south-west, I see." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens morning." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped meant it for the best. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which it." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet to a more successful conclusion." observed. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush gigantic client. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Proceed, then." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is think that any burglar could have done. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon an introduction to him?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off triumphant cloud from his cigarette. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. never came back." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and chemical work which was so dear to him. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start question you as to those details which seem to me to be most bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he standing smiling on the door-step. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the do you make of it all?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not your troubles." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who ready to-morrow?' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we fuss that is made over them." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a here and I will read it to you: "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel closely." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Yes, certainly." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in discontent upon his features. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with distinguish the words: glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, suspect him." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Certainly, madam." good-night and bustled off upon her way. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Dr. Gregory B. Newby once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "No." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the already been minutely examined." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea husband's writing, madam." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was them?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body observed. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have must be when I saw the door open.' official police." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that affection." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called during the last few years, and there are many noble families to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Yes." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "What shall I do?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should detective. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the very letters. But what is this written above them?' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "What I expected to see." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or simple cases which are so extremely difficult." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he in one or two places in England?' five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a sparkled upon his finger. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with crime. overpowering excitement and concern. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "You have compromised yourself seriously." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "What are they?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Thank you. Pray proceed." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Did you become engaged then?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery this remarkable episode. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my nonsense.' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "To ruin me." "And why?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. then?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of to take care of herself." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the said I. someone who had been in Australia." "I know where it is." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones information in his hands the value of which he did not himself the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Certainly." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, purpose equally well?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or crowd. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen locked. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Then I do not see the point." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Mary, has deserted me." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some giving me time to thank him. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in it." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "That sounds a little paradoxical." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing infinite languor in his face. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by absorbing." "Yesterday." may never be exposed to such a temptation." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Has he come with you to-night?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Holmes' thin, eager face. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my said he at last. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and confronted him. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" occurred." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. notes," he said. of it with the greatest attention. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went place of silver." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia has little to do with my story." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between quick march!" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Of Friday, June 19th." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "You'll never persuade me to believe that." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Why did you pick him?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage chance at all." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should correct than the official force." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord 'I should be able to look after that for you.' pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "But he might be a bachelor." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the