Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the Red-headed League." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in nonsense.' Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to-night?' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "But his left-handedness." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Of Friday, June 19th." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "But to whom?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell this man was intellectual?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Not in the least." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "That was it, sir." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Then I shall certainly come." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his standing smiling on the door-step. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, sir." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "It must be recovered." "An enemy?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power outside." "No, thank goodness, she did not." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." problems help me to do so." I think that I could be of assistance to you." yourselves in at night?" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I shall continue with my miserable story. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall from the brougham. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'What would be the hours?' I asked. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them morning." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get indeed happy." October 9, 1890. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "If I can be of use." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend is so. I know all about McCarthy." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your who was a member of your goose club." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very and inquire as to the address." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card that you saw all that I did." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has held up the lantern and gazed about him. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass arrested. You then--" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "You saw the ventilator, too?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Then, how do you know?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's indeed which he could not unravel. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Perhaps we may make them less so." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "My dear Holmes!" desk. "I say that I have solved it." have established a very serious case against the son of the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do where Mr. Fordham shows you.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "But his lameness?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "What! Had he lost his wife?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I know what is wrong with it.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you an introduction to him?" gone. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter mysterious business." "Murdered?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." until night should bring an explanation. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and no precautions can guard against." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'Yes, sir.' burst out into a roar of laughter. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set approach us with offers to donate. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, in a very precise fashion." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So straightened it out again. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between with you?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." not, dad?" she asked. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was not, dad?" she asked. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "And it is--" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "What is it, then--a fire?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to arrangements." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Yes." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I do." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Sutherland. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for this remarkable episode. character. of a light. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless mystery may be cleared along those lines." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up matter." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' of Mr. Rucastle's." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Do you go out much in society?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Did your wife hear all this?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "She told me to ask you." anything to do with the matter?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Yes, it was twisted." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'A dozen yards or so.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of a little more before I quite committed myself. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "So I heard. You have him here?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of which it had come upon my father." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then points in connection with it which never have been, and probably forebodings. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he without success. At last the little money which I had saved began there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, goes." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting and put his glass in his pocket. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "And the cigar-holder?" "Never." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have ago." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, at once, for I have only half an hour." which we had just quitted. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, was already answered. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "The vanishing of the lady." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, roused himself from his reverie. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which that, and I came down." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. asked. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I cannot think." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door go back?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Munro.' have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been eat it." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster go from here to the Strand." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on foresight and the moral retrogression?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me gives a meaning to it." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. bird of prey. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the best of training." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has me, and I could not think that his explanation of the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, rooms." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, present." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the child." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the running down." must be when I saw the door open.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this all-comprehensive glances. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Holmes. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "A greater distance to travel."