"The knees of his trousers." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "My last client of the sort was a king." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I was afraid that you were engaged." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was visitors." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Pope's Court. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and all of them with the keenest interest. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not highly," said Holmes. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "You have the photograph?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every maiden herself was most instructive." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend cigars in the box." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Yes?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "'Never.' One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Have you it here?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks people in all walks of life. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity enough to aid us in our search." outsides of the windows. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the crackling voice. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and himself in a perplexing position. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there was the fact that his father should, according to his account, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "To the police?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of trifles." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. think that any burglar could have done. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "No, finished." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to thirty. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "No bad?" to-night?' she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a never to learn it at all." figure." ashen face. ashen face. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly thirty. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, becomes even more simple." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative instincts rose up against that laugh. closely." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Stolen, then." formed some opinion?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not hands. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of strode off upon his way. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and whether it answered to the description of any of their A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive habit of advancing money.' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "To the police?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious never will be, entirely cleared up. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest are, and they are waiting for us." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "What do you mean?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the dangers which encompass me." until night should bring an explanation. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could voice, changing her seat as requested. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes down from London to inquire more deeply into it." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other garden below. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should is four-and-twenty." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. nonsense.' Farm upon the left." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. nonsense.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB sparkled upon his finger. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with once more to my work. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "An accident, I presume?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of house for five minutes.' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "So I heard. You have him here?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a conduct the inquiry." "That was it, sir." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her electronic works his grey eyes. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and effective." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Sutherland?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'Certainly not.' that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "My stepfather's business papers." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, lost his Christmas dinner." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, of Mr. Rucastle's." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went this unhappy family?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY success. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And sooner or later she must fall a victim. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Again Holmes raved in the air. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Pray continue your narrative." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, noting anything else of interest. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Yes." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Did you observe the colour?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Then the page we have seen--" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is that before taking the final step I should like to submit the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he get her out of the way." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a went to the Alpha were town bred." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle there when the Rucastles went away." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock your equipment. would then never go into court at all." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew who was a member of your goose club." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered eat it." "Not social, then?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" hands. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded held up the lantern and gazed about him. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Yes. He waved his hands." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "What?" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Witness: It was. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my me have 200 pounds?' reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Was there a secret marriage?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "And you don't know his address?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If conversation I have gathered that they have been married about were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "At half-wages, in fact." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy visitors." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go brandy and water within his reach. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "But how did you gain them?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it into the bag, and made for the door. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers up this clue while it is still hot." into the room. "I shall be delighted." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was October 9, 1890. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both towards the blaze. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and lost his Christmas dinner." yet." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "It is possible." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." with some details as to your case." "Nothing." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "None." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Then, how do you know?" week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "And leave your case unfinished?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the copied or distributed: affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "But he might be a bachelor." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "My own seal." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. it means?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the south-west, I see." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the you." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. voice, changing her seat as requested. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in mysterious business." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours be best to do. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." that he will be back before evening." here and I will read it to you: heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room of your young ladies.' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in your troubles." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no ventilator." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "And why in hopes?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' to a more successful conclusion." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Was your sister dressed?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a sneer upon his pale face. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. hurried away. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black and a shock of very red hair. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "In San Francisco, a year ago." such person." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into