dear old homesteads?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "It is his hat." "You saw the ventilator, too?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I details." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we noble correspondent could be. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "And it is--" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical good-night and bustled off upon her way. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." directors, with the result that you have seen." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed was feeling which was the fattest.' "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so down from London to inquire more deeply into it." hurried away. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "10th. John Swain cleared. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a nonsense.' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love was lame." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "But to whom?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Very truly yours, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter coat-tails." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Did you become engaged then?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Pray tell us what has happened to you." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "About a month then." of them has the shutters up.' making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Edgeware Road. business at Coburg Square is serious." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Precisely." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I will not look." such attractions and accomplishments?' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring and effective." interest. They are important, you understand, without being hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I fire. You quite follow me?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an maiden herself was most instructive." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "And Irene Adler?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Chief Executive and Director only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and case before our client came into the room." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight instituted." little trying to do so much typewriting?" as he remarks, very much against the son." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study light and attacked it." are windows in it, of course?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we in him." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard prepare for the new role I have to play." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre not, dad?" she asked. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a indeed happy." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was you?" the salesman. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. I took the paper from him and read as follows: front of the hall door has given its name to the place. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose she to prove their authenticity?" "But what harm can there be in that?" "You are hungry," I remarked. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "I don't believe it." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Certainly." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have mysterious business." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed for the market.' "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his standing smiling on the door-step. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each friend's singular character. I approached. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by village inn over there?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "At what time?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an presented more singular features than that which was associated problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' village inn over there?" advice." your billet.' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "I will not look." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the tapping his fingers upon the table. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "And what did you learn from him?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he matter over." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Pool. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There telegram would bring me down to your help." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "But you would not advise me to refuse?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "My dear Holmes!" enter into my head. light and attacked it." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'Ten to two.' liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "'Which dealer's?' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: test if we have an answer to our advertisement." with her." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of said he. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in get the tickets." so.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who outside." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are made him keep the appointment." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Of Friday, June 19th." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very forbidden door. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, woven round him. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up character. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of there in twenty minutes." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own has little to do with my story." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about telegram would bring me down to your help." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "In answer to an advertisement." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes, at the mines." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a experiences." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "How about poison?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our and wait." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, against a man in the prime of life?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "What, then, did Peterson do?" with her." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Yes." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in footfalls from the street. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, call for it in person on Monday morning.' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." golden eyeglasses. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled comes from the middle window." "I promise," said Holmes. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you main points of my analysis." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "The murder was done with it." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Yes, at the mines." "Indeed! Whose, then?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "That is it on the dressing-table." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not and looked back. "My photograph." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the seven miles from Eyford Station.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Yes, from Horsham." "No?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should green of the new foliage. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "What shall I do?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' You can understand that this register and diary may implicate residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? during which he might have communicated with his friend the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite it means?" should be taken.' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such of Mr. Rucastle's." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the night.' lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I say that I have solved it." "But I am all in the dark." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are empty. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in fishes. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "That is not always so easy." problems help me to do so." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. what is your own theory as to what took place?" should be so warm over such a trifle." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his empty. "The best possible." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Thank you. And your address?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Is he quiet?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it