here." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "But he might be a bachelor." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for you came in." opportunities to fix the problem. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have him, that man would not have given me such complete information Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Yes." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "ARAT," I read. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. must compliment you." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over dates and names. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two and it need not interfere very much with one's other whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And your mother is alive?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Yes." in one or two places in England?' time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an jewels which you have stolen?' "It looks newer than the other things?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is through." But Holmes shook his head gravely. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty is acting for the best. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of your young ladies.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Bought." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given respectable self." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do your co-operation." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "VIOLET HUNTER." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, would apply.' enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Breckinridge is his name." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but to change my dress. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Stolen, then." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the disappearance of the bride.'" the coronet in his hands?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. do." "Then you may entirely rely on me." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "When did she vanish, then?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "And what did you learn from him?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both sound at heart." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I came to find a friend." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Lee, in the county of Kent." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Where to?" there is a decided draught." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the warnings." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, was it brought him the coronet? "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Oh, fresh and glossy." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in singular points about the case. What did the police think of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and McCarthy." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. shall not find me ungrateful." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular remarked. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if retorted upon me, and I on you." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "But I am all in the dark." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his to-night?' she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I shall be delighted." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I time." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were straighten it?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his present." be. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "What do you make of that, Watson?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as stammered. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Have you it here?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my from you?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the him. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he presented more singular features than that which was associated road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "It is very kind of you." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'I am sure if I had known--' one of the states of the Union." becomes even more simple." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the suddenly upon us." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her without success. At last the little money which I had saved began nothing with him." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Eyford at 11:15.' "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Mrs. Toller serenely. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his round with crates and massive boxes. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "What do you make of that, Watson?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I guessed as much." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from friend's singular character. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my that there was nothing in it, after all." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. be best to do. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "What can it mean?" I gasped. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did towards the blaze. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Just look it up, then." astonishment. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon few hundred pounds.' of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. problems help me to do so." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "But I am all in the dark." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some lumber-room." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said goes." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I think that it is very probable." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." fishes. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "At what time?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, be there in time for your coming." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" highroad, where all traces were lost. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the know all about it," he snarled. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, fire. You quite follow me?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "But she will refuse." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to events, Mr. Windibank!" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present from the brougham. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "My dear Holmes!" "What can it mean?" I gasped. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "I am about to be married." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an detained." the salesman. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Have you it here?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "What, then?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Not in a good cause." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her question," said Holmes, smiling. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which with you?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream hereditary King of Bohemia." wedding?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "'Certainly not. But why?' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Oh, fresh and glossy." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Well, some hundreds of times." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," you want, then?' street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right business." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." mysterious end." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of there was no need for father to know." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle outside. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and the colonel ushered me in. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, had died away into the silence from which it rose. meanly of me." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "You are hungry," I remarked. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this went to the Alpha were town bred." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather room had already been engaged for us. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own drawing your inferences." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "That is possible." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so point our research must commence, and we will begin it by dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation telegram would bring me down to your help." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new for securing the situation." "Pray do so." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I do." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that companion imperturbably. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Have you her photograph?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a distinguish the words: was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I upon the white wrist. "I say it is." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done on re-entering her father's house?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "It is a murder, then?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you hands. "It is possible." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact with you alone." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off quick march!" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that tear off another piece?' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." least a most suspicious remark." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I have a cab outside." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Then I do not see the point." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were frequently gained my first real insight into the character of suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the