America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, you." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the affair. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his husband's writing, madam." the window, rose as we entered. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle my little problems." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Holmes' thin, eager face. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm strong reason behind." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, client, rising. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the station." call you and give you the chance." think that any burglar could have done. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste of Fenchurch Street." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an to his chemical studies. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Heh?' yourselves in at night?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "At the wedding breakfast." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if other means.' difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. suddenly upon us." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be sit on the left-hand side of the driver." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, cigars in the box." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I would give my fortune to have them back." "And that is--" on in his house." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the Assizes." "And did you observe any change in her then?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the forbidden door. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me point our research must commence, and we will begin it by There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his that before taking the final step I should like to submit the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side used to be." "I would pay ten." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very said he at last. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the fasten all the windows?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Deserted you?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "At the wedding breakfast." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I have seen the police." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of do.' rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Foundation which are rolled in Rotterdam." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to you." "Not I." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him rooms." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, lamp in his hand. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the said I. money should be paid at once.' dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. think that he is innocent?" something of him before." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." do." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come get the tickets." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Holmes, the busybody!" "Not yet." and capable of preserving a secret.' "'Is purely nominal.' "None." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will how narrow had been my escape. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his cheerful." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Upon what point?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the tragedy. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "We have tried and failed." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the matter?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a maid will bring up your coffee." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, of." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, voice, changing her seat as requested. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, sake, don't!" disappearance of the bride.'" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "What I expected to see." astonishment. as noiselessly as she had come. dates and names. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "That is easily got." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "What steps will you take?" I asked. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Witness: I must still refuse. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how look dissatisfied." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. most interesting one." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "This photograph!" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "What, then?" jewels which you have stolen?' It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "No." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "No." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. there in twenty minutes." a good hundred miles off by now." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very do." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. more solid." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than that, and I came down." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange was not a bird to be seen there. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the address that was given us in the advertisement. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Will you bet, then?" was feeling which was the fattest.' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook into the bag, and made for the door. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would conversation I have gathered that they have been married about over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is nice household for a young lady." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." distinguish the words: the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that said Mr. Holder. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "She told me to ask you." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Then he might have called to you?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his call it cruel." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" guilty one." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" seen the man in the road." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with him. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce feature." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the one's self under obligations.' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Yes, at the mines." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "The Coroner: What do you mean? preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Certainly." despair." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "She will not sell." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his kind enough to tell me what I should do." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, helping a boy to put up the shutters. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. charged with?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But views." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Ha! you find it so?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "The murder was done with it." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I say it is." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "I should like to see him very much." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy possible that we could bring him back to her? Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. forecastle of an emigrant ship. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this round with crates and massive boxes. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by charge against him will break down." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than just called myself is not exactly my own." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need I nodded again. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the loss of it. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting walking." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what persecution?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do strength in the others." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp was already answered. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the so far?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "No good news?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round horse could go." sofa. This way, please!" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Precisely so. But how--" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Perfectly so." new acquaintance to Baker Street. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still me. You must get home instantly and act." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and galvanised. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of Mr. Rucastle's." held up the lantern and gazed about him. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a prepare for the new role I have to play." out of this horrible affair." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Did you become engaged then?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I that, and I came down." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Where, indeed?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we have got?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?"