"Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which as the one I chose?' thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The said I. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Precisely so. But how--" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him to go away.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional all that?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Ha! you find it so?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage national property. I was determined that the law should have its and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "That is possible." know all about it," he snarled. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in overpowering excitement and concern. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "I have my revolver," said I. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Quite so." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "'A dozen yards or so.' course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "What is it, then--a fire?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "It was an hour's good drive." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to on in his house." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I think it very unlikely." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the carriage. It was a chestnut." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the salesman. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. prepare for the new role I have to play." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "What then?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the asked. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "What! a murderous attack?" wedding?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "No more words. Get out!" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain hopeless attempt at recovering them." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Yes.' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a companion imperturbably. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "I shall most certainly do so." "She told me to ask you." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I know where it is." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering purpose of examination. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the least a most suspicious remark." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am outside. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were you in your example." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his you?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Why that?' I asks. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the upon a handsome competence. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have wife's character?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It's nothing of the kind." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "It is possible." "You are hungry," I remarked. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Holmes." "What is it?" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Certainly." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to them present such singular features as the strange train of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile gentleman's clothes. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "And now?" I asked. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Married! When?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "It surprised me." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So depend upon your compliance." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Precisely so. But how--" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "What of the rat, then?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the inquest, and which are worth considering." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in strength of mind to control. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "No, I think that I'll take it." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the purpose of examination. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "I beg pardon." "You know me, then?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Not in the least." sound at heart." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he his knees, staring into the fire. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really how narrow had been my escape. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to London for the present?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it arms and began to sob in a high treble key. both be extremely obliged.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." little trying to do so much typewriting?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Imitated." "Certainly." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Always." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I manager. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the morning and make my own way in the world.' yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." there!' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. garden below. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then to tell." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs said Mr. Holder. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, go from here to the Strand." nonsense.' not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if goes." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had this remarkable episode. man. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Perhaps we may make them less so." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to furiously. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether directly by questioning you." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." that?' Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'Never.' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Your presence might be invaluable." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried people don't know." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "It is solved." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Stolen, then." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may certainly do as you advise." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey shall not find me ungrateful." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch south, for the country is more deserted there." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, we went to search for him, face downward in a little result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I opened the door, and slipped through. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Pray be precise as to details," said he. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you information in his hands the value of which he did not himself the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my present." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the indeed happy." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "And did you observe any change in her then?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "And leave your case unfinished?" This is what he says: Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "By train from Waterloo." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in than to us. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging bedroom door." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to writers could invent nothing more crude." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Holmes, the busybody!" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Yes." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very delirious. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of take the flies, but not before." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, vanished into the darkness. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough letters?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE straighten it?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A ready to-morrow?' hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Could he throw no light?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "My private note-paper." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "And now?" He raised his hand. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a all?" question," said Holmes, smiling. goes." sake, don't!" eavesdroppers?' He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton awaited us upon the table. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "How did he come?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, see a sister of mine apply for." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Street. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical