exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I was afraid that you were engaged." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love should be so warm over such a trifle." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, said he at last. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Will you go?" "I have seen the police." "Of what day?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together some water from a caraffe. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass conclusions. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before place of silver." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be see me here to avoid scandal." other lovers by making love himself." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar thought that she would have been so carried away." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round directly by questioning you." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "My dear Holmes!" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I see many objections to any such theory." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his what do you think they found in the pockets?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several from the brougham. them present such singular features as the strange train of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon It may be so in this case, also." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "But what will you do?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, yet." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Where did you address your letters, then?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Look there!" said he. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Your presence might be invaluable." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is better grown goose." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable brought there to personate someone, and the real person is he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the danger is over." this unhappy family?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "It may not come to that," said Holmes. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "That you are never beaten." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so impression behind it as though a window had gently closed best detective that ever lived. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has locked." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "She walked into the breakfast-room." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Yes." "Entirely." bill, which interests me deeply." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until and wait." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem taking in every detail of the apartment. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is whether it answered to the description of any of their think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with time." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "9th. McCauley cleared. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "'Where could I find him?' "Your sister is dead, then?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "It certainly sounds feasible." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its in my life." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." woman." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Really! You surprise me." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A unprofitable." could go. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my delirious. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would woman." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "They are typewritten," I remarked. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." have accepted such a situation. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more respectable self." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it to-morrow." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "What, then?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I cannot imagine." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the late." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such discontent upon his features. "She told me to ask you." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "It is very kind of you." what do you think they found in the pockets?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was such person." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." introspective fashion. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "You think so, too?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "How did you deduce the select?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "The King of Scandinavia." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their II. it." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. III. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; introspective fashion. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. experiences." "What! Had he lost his wife?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to I. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Where does the thing come from?' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Did he not advertise?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'Then let me do so?' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And colour had been driven from his face. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to out of this horrible affair." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that that he has suffered." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "'Never,' said I. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, to that open window." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to annoyance, but no jest. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." at once, for I have only half an hour." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a to take care of herself." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Leadenhall Street--and--" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set anything to a woman, for she would have her way." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Have you it here?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas recall any case within my experience which looked at the first horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed name is different." "That is easily got." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the that I am arrested." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a seem to you to be relevant or not." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "It looks newer than the other things?" and inquire as to the address." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was sneer upon his pale face. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Yes, sir.' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is as he folded up the epistle. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of that there was nothing in it, after all." "I would give my fortune to have them back." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed might have a private word with us. "Yes." views." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Come in!" said Holmes. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Yes." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like III. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "How did you deduce the select?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray you give your casting vote to?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. peculiar to him. "I know where it is." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the generous with you in money matters.' Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual salesman. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs call the police, let the police find what they can.' "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Who by?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I asked. "Where, then, is my wife?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it that he has suffered." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Holmes, the busybody!" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his been." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "But I am all in the dark." "No." on in his house." Foundation give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Did your wife hear all this?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "No?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "It is true that I have been generally successful." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly security.' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. His name is Francis Prosper." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was own family. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office,