his forehead." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you one else, I think." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and her also." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "By no means." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "None." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I am to be neutral?" "But his left-handedness." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face him to go away.' young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Pray let us have it, for all that." views." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as awkward doing business with an alias." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged important." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the me what he had done with the three missing stones. brain must have something in it." "'You cannot say what it was?' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his guilty one." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its acted in my house last night?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though were new raised from a basin. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them McCarthy's innocence. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his undoubtedly my uncle's." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable my special province." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation tapping his fingers upon the table. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. thin legs towards the fire. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no not, dad?" she asked. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Nothing." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Where did he live, then?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Pray continue your narrative." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' DISSOLVED. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we hurried away. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a power." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "We have tried and failed." "Breckinridge is his name." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' clanging. John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three into the room. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Proceed, then." questionable one." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the stable lane now." I am not easy in my mind about them." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting was the fact that his father should, according to his account, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our it." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Did you become engaged then?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Stolen." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth certainly do as you advise." "Then you may entirely rely on me." assist you in forming an opinion." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" said I. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal everything which you would wish to know." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the salesman. "'I have already given you my word.' not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business dramatic, in fact." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'I am sure if I had known--' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and way in everything. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Did you observe the colour?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of at home. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Does that suggest anything?" "Why, what do you mean?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. go--none." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the dangers which encompass me." to you." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Well?" "Yes?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody national property. I was determined that the law should have its bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who shadow pass over his face as I spoke. chemical work which was so dear to him. had this final quarrel? "'What are you doing there?' he asked. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "And you don't know his address?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior leaning back in his chair. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'Is 4 pounds a week.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "So it appears." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she asked with his eyes open. "Holmes, the busybody!" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Did he not advertise?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property astonishment. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Your presence might be invaluable." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, what these perils are?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Holmes' face clouded over. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "It is half-past ten now." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. this remarkable episode. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Dr. Gregory B. Newby door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "ARAT," I read. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he young Openshaw's." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Lestrade of Scotland Yard." 'please.'" as the one I chose?' "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the ceiling. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Literary Archive Foundation "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already could gather together that I was able to avert another public the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite meant it for the best. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Entirely." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some we went to search for him, face downward in a little yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Holmes." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "How about poison?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "'Ten to two.' smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Because he was handy and would come cheap." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted fuss that is made over them." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had open." me upon any point which I do not make clear." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Then you may entirely rely on me." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I hand, madam?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance stalked out of the room. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding business." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, when your master had gone out." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I will get her to show me." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Yes, it would be as well." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but points to suicide?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face tension within him. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign your troubles." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. to-night?" I asked. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the side-table." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I will do it." be.' Serpentine Avenue. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "In the cells." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' it means?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a like that before?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in speckled band?" guilty one." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is weary and pale-looking. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend little adventures." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the date of his supposed suicide." you." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was thin legs towards the fire. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days people in all walks of life. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Henry Baker is a member." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you one of them." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. figure." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he o'clock is it?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little bill, which interests me deeply." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he to that open window." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "And from a noble client?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually into her hand at the door and which lured her within their act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was I nodded to show that I had heard. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled.