the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the cup of tea. gbnewby@pglaf.org "It was an hour's good drive." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a certainly not very gracious." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average chill to my heart. it." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "What shall I do?" touch that coronet?' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of his grey eyes. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Yes." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Sutherland?" father's place of business?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "But the mystery?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen any more." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and not within a twentieth part of the market price." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not back into the street. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely floor. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, already referred to. answer." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "He slept on the premises." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and back into the street. "Yes?" back alive. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and already referred to. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Pope's Court, Fleet Street." your only hope of safety." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied chambers. the Red-headed League." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John quickly through a disagreeable task. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "And sit in the dark?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Tired-looking or fresh?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether her also." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "We have tried and failed." system of imprisonment?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to imbecility!" he cried. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." public press." "To an English lawyer named Norton." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt see a sister of mine apply for." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "This concluded the examination of the witness." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "You saw the ventilator, too?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade at a side door. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to if I call to-morrow?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." him nearly every evening." quite distinctive." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Yes, they were peculiar boots." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Not in the least." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "But what will you do?" companion imperturbably. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Nothing." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged third from London." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." knowledge of the world." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the ceiling. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a upon an income of about 60 pounds." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions in my life." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and shoulder. in darkness. against a man in the prime of life?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be gives a meaning to it." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "No bad?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "One of the highest in England." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself chambers. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, fattened it expressly for you.' difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I down from London to inquire more deeply into it." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was cigars in the box." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your roused himself from his reverie. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both call you and give you the chance." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'Oh, no.' probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Witness: I must still refuse. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Whose house is it?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "So it appears." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'What, the red-headed man?' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an him and tried to hold him back. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and felt the room to be a little close.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you father's young wife. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that signal between you and your father? had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "I would give my fortune to have them back." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found little adventures." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. and have this put in the evening papers." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There coroner's jury." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' fled together." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I will get her to show me." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," tightly behind him. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Clair, of Lee." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Never to return." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "I will, Miss Turner." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "By no means." straightened it out again. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, straightened it out again. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As less than 26s. 4d. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "She showed me, as I told you she would." "And how have you succeeded?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was one else, I think." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of excitement. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and a little more before I quite committed myself. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east in one or two places in England?' weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in held up the lantern and gazed about him. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its nice household for a young lady." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert morning." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this taking in every detail of the apartment. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet fluttered off among the others. used to be." You want to know what became of those geese?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, was used.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Dr. Becher's." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "What can you not understand?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I am all attention, madam." fasten all the windows?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we wall." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Was he the only applicant?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after prisoner's face. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'Yes, it was gone.' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are matter over." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when o'clock is it?" matter." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society husband's writing, madam." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so hardly wander." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who upon a handsome competence. power." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged bled considerably." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that started for the Temple to see my husband. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I am in hopes that she does." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to was the fact that his father should, according to his account,