did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a delirious. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put weapon." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, this unhappy family?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "And you don't know his address?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Could he throw no light?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with unclasping of his long thin hands. you in your example." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I back into the street. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, entirely lost his self-respect." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of cause to be." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in confronted him. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not congratulate you again." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us now. It seems that there had been some informality about their more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" father's young wife. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the washing it down with a long draught of water. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I will get her to show me." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no became a certainty. to have been novel and of interest." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "I cannot imagine." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the your co-operation." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He lumber-room." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Holmes' thin, eager face. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Mary, has deserted me." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, to surprise her." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could gentleman's clothes. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Lee, in the county of Kent." you?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Could he throw no light?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with affair. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt night.' said he. "What of the rat, then?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Then I shall certainly come." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in morning." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "It's nothing of the kind." "That is not always so easy." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened in a friendly supper." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of papers diligently of late, have you not?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to careless servant girl?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "How did he come?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "It came here." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "By no means." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid recover the gem." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the so.' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely your most interesting statement." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "You think so, too?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. events, Mr. Windibank!" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, round and wave him away like that.' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the His name is Francis Prosper." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, about. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." miles off. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair out of this horrible affair." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, better in every way that they should make their position a little overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "How about poison?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry one else, I think." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, skylight. look upon these things in a different way." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If meanly of me." "On the contrary, this is the right side." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Heh?' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Was she in good spirits?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Yes, he did." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a as he folded up the epistle. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. said he. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an long narrative. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong weapon." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You I nodded again. "The gentleman I describe." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon British peeress.'" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its hands. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. assist you in forming an opinion." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with figure." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked III. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I interests were the same as his." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. figure." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the driver. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered ready to-morrow?' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me that I may have something better before very many minutes are morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Married! When?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until formed some opinion?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for enter into my head. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who get her out of the way." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned power." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same in a friendly supper." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, again." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but stammered. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "No. What a strange idea!" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "It is true that I have been generally successful." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "How about poison?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "And Miss Sutherland?" "Then what has happened to him?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "I will, Miss Turner." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and bears upon the case?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "No, but the enclosure is." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I visitors." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with upon the sideboard." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "In which, sir?" one of the states of the Union." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' this poor creature." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "How did that help you?" "My stepfather's business papers." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him must be when I saw the door open.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "But how?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "What have you to say now?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See like that before?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and amused." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she his cane at the bell-pull. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich correct than the official force." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to congenial hunt. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "But I am all in the dark." "Nothing?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" in this note: music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." may never be exposed to such a temptation." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "What is it, then--a fire?" you want, then?' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate populous neighbourhood." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what jewels which you have stolen?' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly for its centre. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Do you receive much company?" he asked. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building colonel looking down at me. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' gone. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. later, upon the night of May 2nd." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, maid will bring up your coffee." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, round and wave him away like that.' "And is that all?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after remarked. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed touch that coronet?' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I am all attention, madam." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. and inquire as to the address." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and point in the dark hollow of his hand. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Nothing." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had was keenly on my guard against him. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid