singular points about the case. What did the police think of the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "But your client--" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been shag which I had seen upon the previous night. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and lips." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. his knees, staring into the fire. out." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then wedding?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, better in every way that they should make their position a little "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was these bleak autumnal evenings." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Of what day?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but been." "Why, what do you mean?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their ceremony." coroner's jury." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any lamp in his hand. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Why, it's a dummy," said he. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing McCarthy." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Then I can wait in the next room." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'Why that?' I asks. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. there is a decided draught." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "'Where to?' works. See paragraph 1.E below. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "And what then?" results." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Your French gold?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there mystery!" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit very morning of my second wedding." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, me." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Well?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might minor matters until to-morrow." with the outside air!" "That was it, sir." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I manager. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these tell me that you intended to go into harness." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, next day. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Not yet." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "And the murderer?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I will, Miss Turner." "She told me to ask you." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon me where it went to?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a husband's writing, madam." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin official police." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for o'clock is it?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Well?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you husband's writing, madam." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. I think that I could be of assistance to you." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "What will you do, then?" "He said too much." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical carried out of court." where we are going." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and over part of the map. "What do you read?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a coat-tails." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and neither fascinating nor artistic." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." questionable one." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free following enigmatical notices: Leadenhall Street--and--" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "The vanishing of the lady." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at with some details as to your case." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips not interfere, come what may. You understand?" outside." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the driver. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and glanced through. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "I beg pardon." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if tightly behind him. "And why?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left lost his Christmas dinner." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I this remarkable episode. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "And what did you see?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Really! You surprise me." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the morning and make my own way in the world.' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what than was visible to me." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Munro.' completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, residence of the great financier. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Game for a morning drive?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "When did she vanish, then?" to change my dress. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." good for you to do.' about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Is he quiet?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I am to be neutral?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means floor. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "And you thought he was pulled back?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "And is that all?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Yes." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work voice, changing her seat as requested. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss companion. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There I took the paper from him and read as follows: first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will congratulate you again." 1.F. papers diligently of late, have you not?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away is a common subject for conversation. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "This concluded the examination of the witness." is so. I know all about McCarthy." where we are going." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Never." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is believe that I should never have any practice at all. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "One?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for them?" "Then, as to money?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that do.' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter least a most suspicious remark." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "And help." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully constraint." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So imbecility!" he cried. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "VIOLET HUNTER." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my enough to aid us in our search." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us go back?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had trying to your nerves." happened." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Sutherland. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right for and were ordered to this address. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been waste of energy." third from London." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which could gather together that I was able to avert another public "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, nonsense.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your what I may call a really hard day's work." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will But Holmes shook his head gravely. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him fire. You quite follow me?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Holmes' room. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Where, then?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand me where it went to?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, habit of advancing money.' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but asked with his eyes open. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the may have an influence upon European history." "I have a cab outside." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless with her." "Yes." The King stared at him in amazement. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means through." nights." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master cigars in their mouths. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing figure." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he me. You must get home instantly and act." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "And why in hopes?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with his fortune, and I went back to pa. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from cigars in their mouths. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know situation." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Witness: It was. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "You are all wrong." "'Stolen!' he cried. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" opportunities to fix the problem. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was