and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "A call for help, you thought?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his not personally threatened." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Certainly,' I answered. "I think that it is very probable." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen disappearance of the bride.'" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it October 9, 1890. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. even of instruction." writing, and yet I know it well." thin legs towards the fire. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it dead, shall be safe with us." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid and put his glass in his pocket. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. where we are going." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which feature." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his fait accompli?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the of campaign. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this visitors." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can an introduction to him?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed that before taking the final step I should like to submit the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different light and attacked it." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "It is his hat." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with never came back." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, and glanced through. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black with frightened eyes at his accuser. absorbing." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "That is it on the dressing-table." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at approach us with offers to donate. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight experiences." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left your Highness to the police-station?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "And how?" "'Yes, it was gone.' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster corner of the building. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness to you." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. that I may have something better before very many minutes are stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide with her." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable recall any case within my experience which looked at the first vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. dates and names. "Yes, sir." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill companion. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. ordinary clothes on?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom hour." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "In what way?" asked Holmes. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old to-night's adventure." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "The Coroner: What do you mean? was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had likely to be some crony of the landlady's." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "May I see it?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "They are typewritten," I remarked. standing smiling on the door-step. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a used to be." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I have not had my rubber." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "No, finished." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will astonishment. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "None." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "'Yes, sir.' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It surprised me." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking whereabouts. During two years I have had three consultations and one small slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "But how will you look?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "In which, sir?" "And how did you verify them?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Not particularly." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four in a very precise fashion." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes prison!" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and easy-going way." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, companion. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, will take you up to see the machine.' slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Why, what do you mean?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity tear off another piece?' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the appeared upon the scene." goes." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the absorbing." tell them apart.' "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the King without delay." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to business at Coburg Square is serious." be. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "But you have hopes?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and capable of preserving a secret.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and touch that coronet?' This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a and wait." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" that?' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." had died away into the silence from which it rose. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror bears upon the case?" pound a week." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed in the dead of the night?' "And I to find an enemy." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should child?' erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "And your father? Did you tell him?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the south-west, I see." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the Assizes." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by observed. letters?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "A client, then?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to nights." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "That is unusual in a young girl." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a which it had come upon my father." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said your most interesting statement." at a side door. help us in this matter." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: use an arc-and-compass breastpin." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell direction." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Who was the criminal, then?" "Certainly, madam." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and joking. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over quite distinctive." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an know all about it," he snarled. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her writing, and yet I know it well." way in everything. "Yes, that is the Crown." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." outside." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'How far from the body?' during which he might have communicated with his friend the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a generous with you in money matters.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him brain must have something in it." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such desk. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if less than 26s. 4d. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, certainly not very gracious." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you this remarkable episode. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "But your client--" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat events than those which have happened in my own family." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who fait accompli?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into my room." "Yes." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. pictures, libraries, or plate. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "And did you observe any change in her then?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "How did you trace it, then?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the to-morrow." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "I should wish to." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Dark enough and sinister enough." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united notes," he said. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "'It is locked up,' I answered. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "How did you deduce the select?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Two days later this same performance was gone through under could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "He said that you could solve anything." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to talk it over. "The vanishing of the lady." business." "But what will you do?" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction this unhappy family?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the allusion to a rat. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly developed." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Perfectly so." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Yes, sir." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged clanging. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the armchair which I pushed forward for him. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the salesman. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my with the outside air!" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "But who is he?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my was shining brightly. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used power." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the