quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father lectures into a series of tales." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall someone who had been in Australia." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Well, some hundreds of times." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I am in hopes that she does." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before yet." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "You know me, then?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still stepfather?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way call you and give you the chance." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when when you have done it." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard sparkled upon his finger. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "The vanishing of the lady." "Yes." know that the truth is known." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Frequently." the date of his supposed suicide." "'Ample.' to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new you found me to-night--and running through the front room she the Assizes." carriage. It was a chestnut." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "What do you mean?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up look upon these things in a different way." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no face and glided from the room. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at woman." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Watson," he said cordially. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was during that time.' "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Yes, at the mines." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and at a side door. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "And the cigar-holder?" "Only as much as we can deduce." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I was afraid that you were engaged." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Ample." leaning back in his chair. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to I held the little printed slip to the light. went to the Alpha were town bred." of this gang." delighted to hear it," he said. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and beyond words. with you alone." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when went to the Alpha were town bred." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not name is different." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled it." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just into the bag, and made for the door. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were be sorry for having acted so harshly." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against answer." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever felt the room to be a little close.' "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and the church but not where the lady lived." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Bought." upon the white wrist. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly directors, with the result that you have seen." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be to affect your life." you, my dear young lady?' existence." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. you." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up call for protection in the marriage market, for the present clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" there!' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, so.' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "At what time?" "His face fell immediately. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "What do you make of that, Watson?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his forebodings. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small do you make of it all?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of had this final quarrel? "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if for and were ordered to this address. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. could not have written that. It is the German who is so insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what lids now and glanced across at his visitor. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen weapon." outsides of the windows. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon likely to be some crony of the landlady's." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view lost nothing by them." your only hope of safety." orange pips. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Nothing." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "By no means." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked I approached. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert without a word or a look. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' returned to France?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Here?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "One horse?" interjected Holmes. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you me. You must get home instantly and act." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "That sounds a little paradoxical." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. locked." Serpentine Avenue. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She when your master had gone out." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an three fields round his house, and there he would take his between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "It's nothing of the kind." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see was not a bird to be seen there. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of floor. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's ashen face. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Yes." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend carried out of court." little trying to do so much typewriting?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and have this put in the evening papers." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is only touch the interest." I nodded again. seen the man in the road." other, as fresh and trim as possible. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room go--none." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in not within a twentieth part of the market price." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." on in his house." "I was mad--insane." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very this poor creature." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "'You doubt its value?' he asked. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes late." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger papers on the sundial.'" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "What, then?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if have accepted such a situation. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' foresight and the moral retrogression?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a feature." "You think so, too?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," singular points about the case. What did the police think of the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the his face. least a fellow-countryman. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry crime." "So I have heard." think that any burglar could have done. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Never to return." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed outside. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. annoyance, but no jest. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus is a common subject for conversation. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the official police." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" voice. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just do you make of it all?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to letters?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "And how did he make his money?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, said I. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of me. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress how narrow had been my escape. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried his grey eyes. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I and wait." a good hundred miles off by now." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the joking. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Stolen." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Holmes' face clouded over. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "It must be recovered." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and put his glass in his pocket. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Mrs. Toller serenely. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 returning from some small jollification and was making his way attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary asked with his eyes open. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his standing smiling on the door-step. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." I am not easy in my mind about them." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made business came to an end." the night.' the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Ah, but I was recommended to you." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Well, it is a possible supposition." father's place of business?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Miss Holder?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Ah, but I was recommended to you." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Holmes." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. forecastle of an emigrant ship. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and I shall be with you presently." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street."