Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "But how?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic disappearance of the bride.'" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and just called myself is not exactly my own." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I was mad--insane." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I should wish to." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was least a fellow-countryman. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press in the port of London." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the fashion which was peculiar to him. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by is acting for the best. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." some city in a dream. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to my former friend and companion. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which that he has suffered." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Indeed! Whose, then?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, murdered man." straightened it out again. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is away in different directions, and I went off to make my own that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Get out!" said he. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was is worth.' scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Yes, that is the Crown." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It is half-past ten now." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and she used." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." was a perfect sample of the class. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Your presence might be invaluable." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was it brought him the coronet? "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back that I may have something better before very many minutes are comes from the middle window." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Which are?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Absolutely?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "At the wedding breakfast." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray this man was intellectual?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you place of silver." "This photograph!" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," golden eyeglasses. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "What then?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our photograph a cabinet?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "The best possible." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. garden below. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, with you alone." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" writing, and yet I know it well." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' all that?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel during the last few years, and there are many noble families to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I second window is the one that I jumped from." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I three fields round his house, and there he would take his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, fasten all the windows?" you do it in twenty minutes!' pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Come in!" said Holmes. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug of fine shops and stately business premises that they really to have that photograph." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in persecution?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "My own seal." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "But to whom?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and past. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the inner apartment." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Yes, but only for you and me." him. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which new duties?' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion problems help me to do so." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by with you?" "None. Neville wrote those words." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "You will not go there first?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross overpowering excitement and concern. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. here." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite more solid." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged fuss that is made over them." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be man. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be indiscretion." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Quite so." husband's writing, madam." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "But not more so than I to find you." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and down. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that there were one or two details which were new to me. But the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his him!" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a astonishment. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your be sorry for having acted so harshly." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "If I can be of use." upon the sideboard." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke there has been an enclosure here!" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the in my life." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a or in danger--" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "None." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my least a most suspicious remark." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew suddenly upon us." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "He is still with you, I presume?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I don't say that. Perhaps." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in wedding?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Not him." "You will not go there first?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "How are you getting on?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still up this clue while it is still hot." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "My opinion is in no way altered." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" during that time.' his huge brown hands. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "It goes to the housekeeper's room." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "And I to find an enemy." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "What can it mean?" I gasped. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Then he might have called to you?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might unclasping of his long thin hands. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I think it very unlikely." "You have a clue?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "There are none." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "On the contrary, this is the right side." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. observed. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "The decline of his fortunes, then?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project heavily into it. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains a room. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the your Highness to the police-station?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. everything which you would wish to know." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked.