this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made interested in these little problems, and since you are good butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the night.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss case-book, which he consulted. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a place of silver." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me whole matter to your consideration." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin dear old homesteads?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "The murder was done with it." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike ordinary clothes on?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Where is it, then?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "The doctor?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only questioning and rather startled gaze. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an or other trace. But how on earth--" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "There is the writing." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'As governess?' back into the street. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "My opinion is in no way altered." murdered man." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "So I have heard." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about plantation.' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no train.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the gentleman's clothes. furiously. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Then I shall certainly come." recover the gem." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a to-night's adventure." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could business at Coburg Square is serious." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying back to my heart. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a any little problem which you may submit to me." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and in this note: He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm photograph?" into the bag, and made for the door. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a footfalls from the street. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her it." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of very morning of my second wedding." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, bird of prey. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to comes from the middle window." heavy and sharp instrument." Eyford." him and tried to hold him back. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless nothing with him." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am sake, don't!" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his to some other building. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on society." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others rose-bushes. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "No sign of it?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who imbecility!" he cried. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Can I be of assistance?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to your equipment. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "An enemy?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 seen the man in the road." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "'About the same.' all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very more terrible than the truth. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We like gravel from a pit.' to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "My dear Holmes!" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "It is his hat." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' this poor creature." fear." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am go back?" orange pips. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Get out!" said he. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "'Certainly,' I answered. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of suspect him." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A woman." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "No, distinctly professional." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "It was an hour's good drive." "The gentleman I describe." "Very truly yours, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Get out!" said he. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to highroad, where all traces were lost. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things my secret was safe in his possession. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." where she found matters as described by the last witness. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down yourselves in at night?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Very truly yours, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "And why?" "Here?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'Oh, no.' inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'Which dealer's?' better in every way that they should make their position a little girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to DISSOLVED. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'I am sure that I do not know.' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Seven!" I answered. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the house with me." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I here." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out with you?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "If I can be of use." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. yards of it?' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "It is very clear." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from answer." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as of your young ladies.' said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed persecution?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour in the port of London." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, think that any burglar could have done. "But we can't all be." "But I am all in the dark." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the matter?" "Oh, yes, easily." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then shadow pass over his face as I spoke. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "A greater distance to travel." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." held up the lantern and gazed about him. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "What is it, then--a fire?" disturbance in my wife." astonishment. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is pictures, libraries, or plate. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the inner apartment." in the hope of finding them." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again was a lad." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. see a sister of mine apply for." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is wall." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and note?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady pierced for earrings?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "A client, then?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson habit of advancing money.' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I guilty parties." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and that he would see to anything that turned up. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Bought." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. my secret was safe in his possession. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from cigar and let me expound." "She told me to ask you." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and put his glass in his pocket. "That is it on the dressing-table." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Only as much as we can deduce." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." words came to my lips. less than 26s. 4d. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my digesting their breakfasts at home." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black his face which made him a very different person to the round, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss father's young wife. other, as fresh and trim as possible. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'A dozen yards or so.' your sleep?' Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "And help."