clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he to Leatherhead. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother bedroom door." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker from the brougham. "He disappeared so suddenly." to tackle the facts." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "No, distinctly professional." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Stolen, then." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further cigars in their mouths. hard-headed British jury." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. is now desirous of getting those letters back." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Yes." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "What of the rat, then?" Arthur Conan Doyle I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I would give my fortune to have them back." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "My stepfather's business papers." "Was your sister dressed?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "He slept on the premises." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, in darkness. meanly of me." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I have solved it." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "That also I could fathom." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found records." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found that you wished to speak to me?' his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "And what did you learn from him?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two persecution?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My house for five minutes.' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must you?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It where Mr. Fordham shows you.' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was present strange and interesting features that it is no easy enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Sutherland. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have there were so many in the whole country as were brought together what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the families. Now for the facts. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, his knees, staring into the fire. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the families. Now for the facts. head. So long, then!" and glanced through. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." results." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. was a lad." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit few hundred pounds.' compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I would pay ten." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Why serious?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to wedding?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able delighted to hear it," he said. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, particular state visit http://pglaf.org and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up tightly behind him. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would felt?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp an introduction to him?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I was mad--insane." hour." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be key turn in the lock." him to go away.' "Perhaps I have." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just him nearly every evening." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Thank you. And your address?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some yet." "Quite so. She has her freedom." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I have seen the police." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "How many? I don't know." affair. "And who is her maid?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out upon the white wrist. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her was a lad." status with the IRS. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "At what time?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "What! a murderous attack?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Breckinridge is his name." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Did your wife hear all this?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Witness: Nothing definite. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen you for a few hours?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the driver. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, fashion which was peculiar to him. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was fish-monger and a tide-waiter." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'And the work?' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be thought that she would have been so carried away." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to long narrative. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments see a sister of mine apply for." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Get out!" said he. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached forbidden door. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. envelope. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the certainly not very gracious." more solid." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which views." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "What, then?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Were they all fastened this morning?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to dear old homesteads?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of this remarkable episode. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "'Why that?' I asks. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand away in different directions, and I went off to make my own do you make of it all?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several details." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We success. seen the man in the road." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "The King of Scandinavia." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "This photograph!" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would future lives." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, bare slabs of marble. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce you give your casting vote to?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my fashion which was peculiar to him. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into over here." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Sutherland. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "But what will you do?" "And why in hopes?" he bowed and left the room without another word. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Countess of Morcar's?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed a good hundred miles off by now." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt six. Come in!" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Not I." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. like that before?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a fashion which was peculiar to him. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you villagers almost as much as their master. "I cannot think." think that he is innocent?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not acquaintance?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to when your master had gone out." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and said Mr. Holder. lost nothing by them." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Eh? What was that?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'About the same.' question," said Holmes, smiling. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "You have the photograph?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. so.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over matters immensely." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "If I can be of use." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if lamp. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "So I heard. You have him here?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Then I do not see the point." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since enter Dr. Roylott's room." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the bed, and you in that chair." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" hard-headed British jury." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major appeal." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the date of his supposed suicide." call for it in person on Monday morning.' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It me upon any point which I do not make clear." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt purpose equally well?" "That's no good." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "And how have you succeeded?" anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "In what way?" asked Holmes. breakfast?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked astonishment. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind chill to my heart. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." flock.' starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay