mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? showing my impatience. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor morning." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal morning." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "And you don't know his address?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." retorted upon me, and I on you." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so golden eyeglasses. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite one of them." companion imperturbably. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Could he throw no light?" "What of the rat, then?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, was a lad." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Precisely." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "You did not overhear what they said?" for its centre. is so. I know all about McCarthy." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "I have my revolver," said I. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a London for the present?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears you in your example." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Yes, sir." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Absolutely none." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after wife's character?" was it brought him the coronet? Have you good authority for what you say?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Henry Baker is a member." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. fire. You quite follow me?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was one of them." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic call you and give you the chance." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this pressing in one house as in another. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we young Openshaw's." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of tell me that you intended to go into harness." meant it for the best. unprofitable." him to go away.' the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag article?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too here and I will read it to you: "I cannot imagine." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of be.' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend nice household for a young lady." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in unkempt, staring out at me. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called skylight. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "It missed him, then?" "'Most admirably.' implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'Not at all. I only doubt--' have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as interest. They are important, you understand, without being tightly behind him. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the cigars in the box." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with I held the little printed slip to the light. the Assizes." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent peculiar to him. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the business." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, matter." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And what did you learn from him?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, shaken than I had ever seen him. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Yes, he did." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the I have it here in my museum." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "And how did you find out?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "But what harm can there be in that?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one other, as fresh and trim as possible. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his it." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight purpose equally well?" rose-bushes. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Why, it's a dummy," said he. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I promise," said Holmes. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day held up the lantern and gazed about him. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was My friend smiled. McCarthy." "Will you bet, then?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. retorted upon me, and I on you." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "You have a clue?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is of the way of danger. he bowed and left the room without another word. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just place no limit on the sum I may draw." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom face and glided from the room. could gather together that I was able to avert another public yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Your sister is dead, then?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! you do it in twenty minutes!' heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used American. Then who could this American be, and why should he logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were third from London." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not This is what he says: "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood What do you deduce from it?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have made his money." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the King without delay." second window is the one that I jumped from." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Yes, I have one waiting." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and best detective that ever lived. chair. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it present strange and interesting features that it is no easy his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age take the flies, but not before." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and no precautions can guard against." which was all perfectly true. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "It was." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked writers could invent nothing more crude." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Ah, but I was recommended to you." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do in him." call it cruel." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice bedroom door." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young already been minutely examined." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place your co-operation." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple that I can to serve you." weighed down with some great anxiety. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "It must be recovered." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora I think that I could be of assistance to you." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? without a word or a look. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Absolutely none." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it note?" enough to aid us in our search." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of note?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that assist you in forming an opinion." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. absorbing." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, murdered man." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were open." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Nothing?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the warnings." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for leaning back in his chair. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that were new raised from a basin. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing and no precautions can guard against." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been upon an income of about 60 pounds." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Dark enough and sinister enough." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as humiliation." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "This concluded the examination of the witness." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat wedding?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have case-book, which he consulted. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so fuss that is made over them." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds when your master had gone out." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "What is it, then--a fire?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "But how will you look?" married her." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'About the same.' my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say definite end. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low I nodded again. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the little opening for the ventilator is." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I III. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the nursery. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his You want to know what became of those geese?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses legal crime." the tragedy. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," to some other building. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "You know me, then?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking vanished into the darkness. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The new acquaintance to Baker Street. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been and that he would see to anything that turned up. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Yes, he did." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," of receipt of the work. Have you good authority for what you say?" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Where, then?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt use an arc-and-compass breastpin." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his most important business. It is probable that he will be away all bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On just called myself is not exactly my own."