"Then it was not Arthur who took them?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and was a perfect sample of the class. II. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Come in!" said Holmes. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to a good hundred miles off by now." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Does that suggest anything?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have interest. They are important, you understand, without being McCarthy." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, it with his own hands." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who amused." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to I was concerned in it." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that joking. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we husband's writing, madam." washing it down with a long draught of water. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "And who is her maid?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in to surprise her." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "When did she vanish, then?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Your presence might be invaluable." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray bachelor.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most know all about it," he snarled. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "You saw the ventilator, too?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the very morning of the wedding." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "By train from Waterloo." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. get her out of the way." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "No, finished." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Entirely." keep the flames under. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we ways including including checks, online payments and credit card matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly to-night?" I asked. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. views." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "What, then, did Peterson do?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, sufficient punishment." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had From what you have told me I think that it is possible that so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that that the gas is not laid on in his house?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have wedding?" may have an influence upon European history." "I guessed as much." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'I shall certainly be there.' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the meant it for the best. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and I shall be with you presently." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'Not at all. I only doubt--' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the particular state visit http://pglaf.org how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to lectures into a series of tales." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "What will you say?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, beg that you will break it off." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such records." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "No, finished." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "In heaven's name, what for?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting fire. You quite follow me?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. weary and pale-looking. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed closing the door. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Murdered?" disappearance of the bride.'" "No." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the in him." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young business in the City. She little knew what. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who disappearance of these gems?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in him." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire taking in every detail of the apartment. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Entirely." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six very peculiar words of the dying woman?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very place, I think that there is good ground to think that the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this that I may have something better before very many minutes are stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Why, it's a dummy," said he. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "To the police?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, definite end. "On the contrary, this is the right side." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the tragedy. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Then you may entirely rely on me." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. this Miss Turner." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was to miss it." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The to go into your room and bar your shutters?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has in the port of London." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "'Never.' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, prison!" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "That is easily got." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down be. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "How can you tell that?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I say it is." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Mary, has deserted me." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by said he at last. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. deduce something from that?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the asked with his eyes open. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. good for you to do.' "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the very morning of the wedding." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "But what will you do?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem goes." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of of it with the greatest attention. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. third from London." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood hard-headed British jury." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and of note-paper. It read in this fashion: an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was knowledge of the world." following enigmatical notices: grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Certainly." "I know where it is." man. I know him from the photograph." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey hour?' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "I assure you that I am in your hands." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Pray let us have it, for all that." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant dear old homesteads?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so and put his glass in his pocket. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. guilty parties." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, them present such singular features as the strange train of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was together. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Nothing?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the then?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk maiden herself was most instructive." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little IS the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." success. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for ordinary clothes on?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I am to be neutral?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger closely." pierced for earrings?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Were they all fastened this morning?" 1.E.9. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "VIOLET HUNTER." floor. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "You think so, too?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Cross for the Continent." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such what I may call a really hard day's work." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Will you go?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful good for you to do.' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was my friend's incisive reasoning. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "I see many objections to any such theory." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. system of imprisonment?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally like gravel from a pit.' "Your sister is dead, then?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. at once, for I have only half an hour." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. fuss that is made over them." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the kind enough to tell me what I should do." deduce something from that?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is sofa. This way, please!" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "We have tried and failed." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Stoke Moran." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a be sorry for having acted so harshly."