freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your it." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" said he. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for retorted upon me, and I on you." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider character. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house hand, madam?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, here." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which begin with, and I had not got mine yet." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "No. What a strange idea!" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this one's self under obligations.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "No good news?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I answered that I had not. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is of Mr. Rucastle's." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, leaning back in his chair. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "That was it, sir." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was I have it here in my museum." giving me time to thank him. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the it were putty." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The friend's singular character. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at him, that man would not have given me such complete information Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he It may be so in this case, also." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of weary and pale-looking. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to-morrow." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all get the tickets." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the coronet at all injured?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and you." "And the murderer?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "But his lameness?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "It is his hat." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Game for a morning drive?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Surrey." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "We were both in the photograph." horse could go." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special lost nothing by them." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "How did that help you?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' to tell." you." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Nothing." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I see no marks." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men ago." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I cannot tell." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing she slowly sank and died without having recovered her him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I have hopes." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both through." think, you have already met." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "He is dead," cried several voices. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our very morning of my second wedding." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "My photograph." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My must compliment you." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' disappearance of the bride.'" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. head. So long, then!" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Do you go out much in society?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know answer." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I The King stared at him in amazement. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Do you go out much in society?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he His name is Francis Prosper." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net this poor creature." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed row." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Very murderous indeed." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed my room." into the bag, and made for the door. Leadenhall Street--and--" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'In my own bureau.' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob yourselves in at night?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the coroner come to?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, o'clock is it?" and the colonel ushered me in. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their bedroom door." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been had formerly been in part my own. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your closely." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were outbreak?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "What do you mean?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "By no means." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest me. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I horse could go." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see know all about it," he snarled. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. mystery." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a awkward doing business with an alias." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Precisely." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as chambers. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Yes." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak not come at once?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you province." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'Certainly,' I answered. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Come in!" said Holmes. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the and all of them with the keenest interest. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Game for a morning drive?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "And from a noble client?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it that you can jump it.' sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I charged with?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and fire. You quite follow me?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott possible that we could bring him back to her? in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'I shall certainly be there.' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. not come at once?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "I cannot imagine." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" colonel looking down at me. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and pictures, libraries, or plate. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right directors have had misgivings upon the subject." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers heavy and sharp instrument." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. secret." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of new acquaintance to Baker Street. that closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'And what salary do you ask?' in his hands." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, enter into my head. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "So I have heard." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Serpentine Avenue. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "And what did you learn from him?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "That is possible." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank mystery may be cleared along those lines." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice pressing in one house as in another. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "And Miss Sutherland?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "To the police?" tapping his fingers upon the table. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you if she died from some sudden fright." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" gives a meaning to it." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Heh?' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones three fields round his house, and there he would take his doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Dark enough and sinister enough." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does October 9, 1890. the inquest, and which are worth considering." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "No." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to chance." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. it were putty." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows words came to my lips. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster wife's character?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Have you it here?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "This photograph!" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the loss of it. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. child?' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man companion imperturbably. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the little opening for the ventilator is." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. III. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his tell them apart.' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and