was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who village inn over there?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he if I call to-morrow?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending electronic works conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined that you can jump it.' friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. this Miss Turner." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I never have." away into the river." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique room had already been engaged for us. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. The summons was a brief and urgent one. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in burst into a hearty fit of laughter. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Did you observe the colour?" "When did she vanish, then?" golden eyeglasses. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from soul! here is her carriage at the door." "No legal papers or certificates?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "By no means." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "How did you trace it, then?" I was concerned in it." village inn over there?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" to you." the south-west, I see." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "The knees of his trousers." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "The decline of his fortunes, then?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Then I shall certainly come." questioning and rather startled gaze. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they photograph a cabinet?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Awake, Watson?" he asked. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Yes." problems help me to do so." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down relief. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have people in all walks of life. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan question," said Holmes, smiling. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a lumber-room." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant any little problem which you may submit to me." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in there." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and wait." wanted for ourselves." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall is so. I know all about McCarthy." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should fled together." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to a good hundred miles off by now." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "What is it, then--a fire?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her fait accompli?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "What steps will you take?" I asked. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and there is a decided draught." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be second window is the one that I jumped from." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Ah!" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and and put his glass in his pocket. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Just look it up, then." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they infinite languor in his face. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Surrey." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Yes, that is the Crown." had died away into the silence from which it rose. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and only touch the interest." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin and no precautions can guard against." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were when your master had gone out." front of me. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. The King stared at him in amazement. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. o'clock is it?" really the only notable feature about the thing." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used pity, because in other respects you would really have done very and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Doctor, of the paper and the date." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Can I be of assistance?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Holmes' room. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of once more for Briony Lodge. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up young Openshaw's." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'A dozen yards or so.' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the room had already been engaged for us. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he affection." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. cost them two and thirty pounds." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce think you a quite exceptional woman." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Upon what point?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Edgeware Road. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' himself to hunt down. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "You'll never persuade me to believe that." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Not yet." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "My last client of the sort was a king." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' noting anything else of interest. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "And I." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Lestrade of Scotland Yard." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the had a long day." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the little opening for the ventilator is." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'And what salary do you ask?' There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so DISSOLVED. wife's character?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Just look it up, then." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "It was an hour's good drive." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that I can to serve you." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I What do you deduce from it?" "Yes." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "And when will you call?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my all that?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I don't believe it." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "On your arm?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable where she found matters as described by the last witness. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll a little more before I quite committed myself. "And how did you find out?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry did not hear it also.' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But direction." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and wife's character?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in daring than any effort of the imagination." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked sparkled upon his finger. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Seven!" I answered. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling way in." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the is so. I know all about McCarthy." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the bed, and you in that chair." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to your troubles." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any is," said he presently: young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Not in a good cause." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'Why that?' I asks. "But how did you gain them?" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "What can you not understand?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. conclusions. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had that I may have something better before very many minutes are It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is in the port of London." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Where, then?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in chamber." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his companion. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "It was an hour's good drive." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "You think so, too?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." to-night." "'I have already given you my word.' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. acquaintance?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the went to the Alpha were town bred." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; vault. easy-going way." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Look there!" said he.