stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and easy-going way." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "That was it, sir." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is salesman. affair. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your works. See paragraph 1.E below. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom than was visible to me." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the me have 200 pounds?' snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such standing smiling on the door-step. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure official police." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "To an English lawyer named Norton." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Street. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and thirty. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will was already answered. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow The summons was a brief and urgent one. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "And I." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use do.' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "None." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was there!' promised to bring home. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the bottom.' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the License. You must require such a user to return or into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to you do it in twenty minutes!' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" more terrible than the truth. leave you to your papers for a little." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. easy-going way." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I had a long day." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a fattened it expressly for you.' will he say when he returns?" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "This concluded the examination of the witness." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the conceal it?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the dangers which encompass me." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do You can understand that this register and diary may implicate be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was opened the door, and slipped through. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "It is half-past ten now." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. did not hear it also.' bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a an introduction to him?" father's place of business?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "But of what society?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive second." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all with you?" question. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "What will you say?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, nonsense.' little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will to take care of herself." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. matter." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to a light-house. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Yesterday." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the side-table." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the very morning of the wedding." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune results." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised The King stared at him in amazement. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as upon the shelf for the interim." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit very peculiar words of the dying woman?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent of campaign. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting skylight. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Arthur Conan Doyle "And I." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Then he might have called to you?" "But he might be a bachelor." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Lee, in the county of Kent." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' she might be summoned. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a in a very precise fashion." IS "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I have seen the police." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the side-table." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation do you make of it all?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I have seen the police." your bag." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Upon what point?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham obstinate." she might be summoned. Surrey." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the room while you explain this matter?" What do you deduce from it?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable other lovers by making love himself." "Will you bet, then?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my address. as this. Pray let me have the details." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. your sleep?' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Doctor, of the paper and the date." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." existence." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not morning." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Sutherland. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I say that I have solved it." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the fled together." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "You saw the ventilator, too?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Did you observe the colour?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the night.' it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" ordinary clothes on?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "A client, then?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Then I am your man." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "What have you to say now?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, to that open window." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a maiden herself was most instructive." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added over here." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of my friend's incisive reasoning. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Yes." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that whole matter to your consideration." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "No." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress bonnet, and went out." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see already been minutely examined." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good have one." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I remarked. guilty parties." "But to whom?" already referred to. points to suicide?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "It looks newer than the other things?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the be sorry for having acted so harshly." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, mysterious business." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Tired-looking or fresh?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Henry Baker is a member." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Will you bet, then?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Well." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even chambers. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "None. Neville wrote those words." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been trifles." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "And now?" I asked. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "You think so, too?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "It is half-past ten now." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought from the brougham. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, business." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. presented more singular features than that which was associated astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham room?"