former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "But you have hopes?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in our word." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Yes, it was twisted." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in examine." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Where could I find him?' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were once more to my work. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Lestrade of Scotland Yard." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, possible that we could bring him back to her? "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Yes, sir.' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I thought that she would have been so carried away." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to late." some water from a caraffe. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was particular state visit http://pglaf.org tapping his fingers upon the table. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the station." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." yet." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your mystery may be cleared along those lines." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting seen the man in the road." appointment with me for six o'clock?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was telegram would bring me down to your help." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Holmes' face clouded over. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Ample." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Come in!" said he. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. should be taken.' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the inner apartment." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the despair." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. suddenly upon us." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "No, I had a dozen." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Not him." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my quickly through a disagreeable task. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your him nearly every evening." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; sit on the left-hand side of the driver." hand, madam?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back at my own good fortune. "'Is purely nominal.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in of this gang." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Nothing." "It is half-past ten now." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Miss Holder?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the telegram would bring me down to your help." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at threw himself down with his face to the pillow. second." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should congenial hunt. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." best detective that ever lived. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, might have a private word with us. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Where, then?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that important." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "In answer to an advertisement." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Yes." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help once more. on in his house." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and acquaintance?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "It certainly sounds feasible." you, my dear young lady?' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low along the entire front of the house, with three long windows hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and gigantic client. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "No." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, sneer upon his pale face. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram with some details as to your case." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Thank you. Pray proceed." is," said he presently: who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have was used.' without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Witness: Nothing definite. lamp. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, already been minutely examined." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of your sleep?' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "It is no ordinary one." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them minor matters until to-morrow." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the room while you explain this matter?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the breakfast?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Gutenberg-tm License. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the room while you explain this matter?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of cigar and let me expound." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in amused." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you hair?' swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal as he remarks, very much against the son." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given at home. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it was a loud and authoritative tap. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the very morning of the wedding." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you congratulate you again." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, there has been an enclosure here!" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "You have the photograph?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just article?" "'Oh, no.' "Was the window open?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "You think so, too?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Which are?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "A thing like a cleaver," said he. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "That is easily got." tapping his fingers upon the table. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "My dear Holmes!" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "No, I think that I'll take it." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "And how did you verify them?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I three of the beryls in it, was missing. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at ashen face. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Was he the only applicant?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her with you?" "No sign of it?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "No. What a strange idea!" "'I have heard so.' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist him, that man would not have given me such complete information instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Then you may be so with me." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "She will not sell." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it to his chemical studies. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a exactly what you advise." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "What is it?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. girl said." "Then you may be so with me." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. been deceived." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from voice. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Do you know him?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and the church but not where the lady lived." "None." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Proceed, then." friends, not even his own brother. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Indeed! Whose, then?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me whole matter to your consideration." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no geese which you supplied to the Alpha." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a during which he might have communicated with his friend the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Surrey." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Thank you. And your address?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the train.' "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Do you know him?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured introspective fashion. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence of a light. know what is wrong with it.' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should she might be summoned. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the as this. Pray let me have the details." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "But how?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the ceiling. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I came to find a friend." "No." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will placed his cuttings. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. easy-going way." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had hands. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide any more." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Why did you pick him?"