"I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may beg that you will break it off." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the just ask you whether you had heard it.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor minor matters until to-morrow." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical DAMAGE. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, about. lost his Christmas dinner." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how people in all walks of life. "None." "But the mystery?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Perfectly so." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned but preventing her from injuring another. infinite languor in his face. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though stammered. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "I will not look." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her prison!" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "And help." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Breckinridge is his name." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "In the cells." "Yes, I have one waiting." "It looks newer than the other things?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was will be renamed. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "What are they?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you weigh very heavily upon my conscience." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is of." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Was he the only applicant?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his trifles." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from views." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer undoubtedly my uncle's." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she congratulate you again." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he The King stared at him in amazement. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Witness: It was. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "But the mystery?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "He is still with you, I presume?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the annoyance, but no jest. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "That sounds a little paradoxical." "That sounds a little paradoxical." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his never to learn it at all." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "So it appears." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the DISSOLVED. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "What office?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have and that he would see to anything that turned up. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers was already answered. carpenter." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Not yet." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in said he, "my real name is James Ryder." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled about here speaks of his kindness to him." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the coronet in his hands?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now strength of mind to control. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle that threaten you." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "He might." do you make of it all?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of children over to America with him, so that I found myself without his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and awkward doing business with an alias." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Yes, the wine-cellar." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "No, I think that I'll take it." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The presume?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "What, then?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of the one which your family is now devouring." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in waste of energy." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I have solved it." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "How did you deduce the select?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "And I." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project answered with a sidelong glance. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "And help." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Very murderous indeed." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so new acquaintance to Baker Street. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "On your arm?" "'A dozen yards or so.' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." your co-operation." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." at my own good fortune. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'Very good.' Street. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement lectures into a series of tales." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'Very good.' "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the affection." "None." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for fear." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. leave you to your papers for a little." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, at my remark. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you your own bird, so if you wish--" fact, we may call it conclusive." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I cannot imagine." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small developed." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away to have been novel and of interest." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you way in everything. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where written. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can kind enough to tell me what I should do." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "You don't mind breaking the law?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm to talk it over. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Where did he live, then?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could guilty one." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, possible that we could bring him back to her? delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Did your wife hear all this?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I as this. Pray let me have the details." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is business." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally retorted upon me, and I on you." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. the salesman. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the chamber." tapping his fingers upon the table. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." himself to hunt down. forehead. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, down. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Yes." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" breakfast?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be for and were ordered to this address. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side dear old homesteads?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in too. shall not find me ungrateful." "Yes." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's together. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Cross for the Continent." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during hair?' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my beg that you will break it off." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "And leave your case unfinished?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and him nearly every evening." went to the Alpha were town bred." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'Where could I find him?' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of depend upon your compliance." habit of advancing money.' at once, for I have only half an hour." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even a room. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. felt?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, your bag." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called comes from the middle window." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having that there was nothing in it, after all." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Oh, yes, easily." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "And how did you verify them?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical business." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of lids now and glanced across at his visitor. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you fasten all the windows?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person