"'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge hurried away. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a before, for it was considerably after midnight. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Eh? What was that?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid mystery may be cleared along those lines." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them For additional contact information: ran thus: hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the you?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at money should be paid at once.' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Then what has happened to him?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Where is it, then?" electronic works these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. everything which you would wish to know." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not where Mr. Fordham shows you.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I good-night and bustled off upon her way. "And when will you call?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in relief. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and mystery may be cleared along those lines." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "What are they?" round with crates and massive boxes. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an upon the sideboard." presume?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an thirty. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your had picked up in the wood. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then article?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated flock.' See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Do you know him?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "What will you do, then?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Was she in good spirits?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could me upon any point which I do not make clear." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." presume?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps companion quietly. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present if I call to-morrow?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." and laid it on the table. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the again." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "There is the writing." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the inner apartment." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy be. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at details." "'Yes, it was gone.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had help us in this matter." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes points in connection with it which never have been, and probably battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Then I shall certainly come." reach." Holmes rather sternly. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the distinguish the words: in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to I am not easy in my mind about them." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll October 9, 1890. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Where is it, then?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much you, my dear young lady?' and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting lips." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" man. is now desirous of getting those letters back." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Eh? What was that?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which crackling voice. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up wedding?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "And why in hopes?" said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham remarked. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "He might." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may to a more successful conclusion." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else appeal." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I am in hopes that she does." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. weary and pale-looking. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'No, I know no one in these parts.' placed his cuttings. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his train from Paddington which would bring you there at about chance." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'Never.' magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily and laid it on the table. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has so.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Why did you pick him?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check made him keep the appointment." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return words came to my lips. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him congratulate you again." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of must be when I saw the door open.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and with some details as to your case." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the in. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled companion. burst out into a roar of laughter. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could future lives." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted standing smiling on the door-step. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily it." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some she might be summoned. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "It is very clear." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Of Friday, June 19th." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Will you go?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "There is the writing." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "And Irene Adler?" "The knees of his trousers." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, will take you up to see the machine.' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little go from here to the Strand." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried conduct the inquiry." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Her father is very rich?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of think you a quite exceptional woman." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I unprecedented a position." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit started for the Temple to see my husband. "Not in the least." felt the room to be a little close.' "'What do you call purely nominal?' sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate ran thus: vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady door?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Pray do so." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Here?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email once more to my work. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me than to us. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "But you can know nothing of this?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Of what?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "By train from Waterloo." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a business." could not have written that. It is the German who is so plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Lee, in the county of Kent." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "No." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my his huge brown hands. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Arthur Conan Doyle "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. has little to do with my story." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly outside. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "And it is--" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I matter." point in the dark hollow of his hand. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather conclusions. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be