and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Yes, all." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would to some other building. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Have you good authority for what you say?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yes." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Is he quiet?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an chill to my heart. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the 1.E.9. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main instituted." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of as this. Pray let me have the details." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately any more." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with strode off upon his way. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He strength." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'And the work?' connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "My Mary? Impossible!" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow carried out of court." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had envelope. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see opportunities to fix the problem. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is business?" them?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught like that before?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "It missed him, then?" business?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "If so, much may have happened between." "You don't mind breaking the law?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an said he. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on upon the shelf for the interim." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. yourselves in at night?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Very good.' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are some place of shelter and let the county police know what has himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Arthur Conan Doyle several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or if only as a check to my own memory." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just lost nothing by them." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' that you saw all that I did." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, about here speaks of his kindness to him." important." cause to be." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round few hundred pounds.' will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he know that the truth is known." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'I am sure if I had known--' overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." letters?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of it means?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers him. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and recover the gem." second window is the one that I jumped from." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the there!' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Yes, sir." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and rat could hardly pass through." occupations.' the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a train.' success. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary both be extremely obliged.' to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as heavy and sharp instrument." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of green of the new foliage. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned for the market.' the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "When did it break out?" have been better. It is all right." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "She will not sell." detective. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only James Windibank. Voilà tout!" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "No. His orders were to stay in the house." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that quite distinctive." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have present strange and interesting features that it is no easy to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the loss of it. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then front of me. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and a very grave face. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed plantation.' Surrey." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'Very good.' "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "So I have heard." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some his wife has ceased to love him." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and train.' The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'You cannot say what it was?' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" happened." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a may never be exposed to such a temptation." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." allusion to a rat. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "And I say east," said my patient. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'Which dealer's?' from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public thin legs towards the fire. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the room while you explain this matter?" "Absolutely?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on and effective." "No, I am descending." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, as he remarks, very much against the son." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent presented more singular features than that which was associated notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the address that was given us in the advertisement. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "You horrify me!" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Yes?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" it with his own hands." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small companion imperturbably. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Well, it is a possible supposition." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has or in danger--" charged with?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately chemical work which was so dear to him. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little During two years I have had three consultations and one small game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will over here." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy again, where I was soon asleep. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the way in." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I himself in a perplexing position. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "It is his hat." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Yes." "You have a clue?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "And how have you succeeded?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was