Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Have you it here?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Come in!" said he. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "At what time?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and garden below. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own went to the Alpha were town bred." "But I am all in the dark." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent long narrative. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as fatally injured? "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not dates and names. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "No. His orders were to stay in the house." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Her father is very rich?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, despaired of." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked most important business. It is probable that he will be away all wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no enough to aid us in our search." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my empty. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of one of the states of the Union." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the posted to-day." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Yes." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "If so, much may have happened between." answer." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then with the outside air!" morning." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to to-morrow." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in hopeless attempt at recovering them." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "He disappeared so suddenly." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott this as likely?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them The telegram which we eventually received came late one night vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I am to be neutral?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'Most admirably.' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew frequently gained my first real insight into the character of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, to a light-house. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, DISSOLVED. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would humiliation." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden II. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for fluttered off among the others. said Mr. Holder. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Because he was handy and would come cheap." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'Certainly not. But why?' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "No?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Surrey." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the general public were present, then?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at excitement. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Yes, only one." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Could he throw no light?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the just ask you whether you had heard it.' excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I answered with a sidelong glance. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really rooms." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. wedding?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold and inquire as to the address." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' it means?" read it out to me." everything which you would wish to know." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "He disappeared so suddenly." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are is entirely a question of barometric pressure." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Only as much as we can deduce." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "So I have heard." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the official police." "How did he come?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, few hundred pounds.' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be trying to your nerves." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over threw himself down with his face to the pillow. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. business in the City. She little knew what. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." was used.' the running down." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "My opinion is in no way altered." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Pope's Court. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "That is possible." bill, which interests me deeply." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend foresight and the moral retrogression?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I came to find a friend." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. know all about it," he snarled. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting leaning back in his chair. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial how narrow had been my escape. she used." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "'I am sure if I had known--' beyond words. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is my room." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I will try. What is it?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the stones. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There so far?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, business in the City. She little knew what. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Well?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Surrey." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was noble correspondent could be. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Did you observe the colour?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the within hail.' twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker could not have written that. It is the German who is so "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the prepare for the new role I have to play." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Pool. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. during that time.' "Have you it here?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than went to the Alpha were town bred." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. kindly on the shoulder. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of good for you to do.' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "One horse?" interjected Holmes. all that?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'It is locked up,' I answered. Holmes' room. "And why?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "One?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "She showed me, as I told you she would." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I that you saw all that I did." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the room while you explain this matter?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies certainly do as you advise." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as highroad, where all traces were lost. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'And the work?' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Then I can wait in the next room." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, open." bare slabs of marble. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Yes, he did." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Literary Archive Foundation "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed do you make of it all?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "What?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a future lives." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if think that he is innocent?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a business." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what what is your own theory as to what took place?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so three of the beryls in it, was missing. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. your most interesting statement." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid back alive. that "Deserted you?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "It is his hat." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man light and attacked it." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post outside."