he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "You horrify me." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Did you become engaged then?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Oh, yes, easily." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up events than those which have happened in my own family." for its centre. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband States. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "That sounds a little paradoxical." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid to change my dress. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, breakfast?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Will you bet, then?" Munro.' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." and your relations to her." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "No." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was rat could hardly pass through." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that really the only notable feature about the thing." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Pray tell us what has happened to you." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns father's place of business?" "I think that it is very probable." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly nonsense.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is that you wished to speak to me?' "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and returning from some small jollification and was making his way slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited my secret was safe in his possession. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his astonishment. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, hurried away. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'How far from the body?' "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so himself to hunt down. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in figure." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Certainly." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "You have compromised yourself seriously." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of digesting their breakfasts at home." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of man. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the little opening for the ventilator is." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "You think that he is dead?" "Entirely." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he appeared upon the scene." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for only touch the interest." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all his face. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'Yes.' maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "On the contrary, this is the right side." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "No. What a strange idea!" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "But he might be a bachelor." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting know all about it," he snarled. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their hurried by. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is before the coroner and the police-court." them, and came down just as you departed. "Never to return." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "A confidential servant?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "And for present expenses?" there has been an enclosure here!" "Just look it up, then." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his question," said Holmes, smiling. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought more solid." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to drove away. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as from the brougham. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the bed, and you in that chair." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "You were travelling in the States?" know all about it," he snarled. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "They are typewritten," I remarked. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "But she will refuse." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more have not had my rubber." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was you want, then?' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. keep the flames under. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the King without delay." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more crowd. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Then what has happened to him?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and put his glass in his pocket. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'Oh, no.' the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it that there was nothing in it, after all." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what man. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I important." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with your own bird, so if you wish--" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing The King stared at him in amazement. I took the paper from him and read as follows: His smile broadened. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a them present such singular features as the strange train of other means.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, again before evening." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I security.' and looked back. your only hope of safety." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in question," said Holmes, smiling. strong reason behind." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'Stolen!' he cried. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Entirely." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations that?' quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat of the one which your family is now devouring." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself would then never go into court at all." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these least a fellow-countryman. enough to aid us in our search." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "And you don't know his address?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "She will not sell." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "What office?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend so.' brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "How about poison?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Absolutely none." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own formed some opinion?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the warnings." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "You are all wrong." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me call the police, let the police find what they can.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Seven!" I answered. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I would give my fortune to have them back." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off persecution?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, definite end. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John that?' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Which are?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such danger is over." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet bled considerably." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles all?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his memory. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and said I. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or married her." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Now, then, what's the last entry?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the one as in the other." remarked. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried friend's singular character. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "A call for help, you thought?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more someone who had been in Australia." least a fellow-countryman. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you lamp. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his