money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Countess of Morcar's?" "And how did you find out?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would acted in my house last night?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Yes, I have one waiting." which was all perfectly true. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "No, I think that I'll take it." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the very morning of the wedding." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Murdered?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Then you may be so with me." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Get out!" said he. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I say that I have solved it." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "And how did you verify them?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "The best possible." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "And why in hopes?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "By train from Waterloo." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the Red-headed League." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon hour." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Street. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with suspect him." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any chance at all." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." never will be, entirely cleared up. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Who by?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "No bad?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so and inquire as to the address." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned eavesdroppers?' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he again on its way. ventilator." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. himself to tell his story. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there second." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life is four-and-twenty." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can nonsense.' appeared upon the scene." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I am armed." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some shaken than I had ever seen him. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "But I have heard all that you have heard." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which noise which awoke you from your sleep?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, lamp in his hand. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my not, dad?" she asked. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Stolen, then." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black which we had just quitted. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, you do it in twenty minutes!' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Yes, it would be as well." is so. I know all about McCarthy." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with telegram would bring me down to your help." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "About a month then." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "And the cigar-holder?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Did your wife hear all this?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." chair. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. other, as fresh and trim as possible. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of maiden herself was most instructive." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Never." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Your sister is dead, then?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. has little to do with my story." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special and looked back. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending *** START: FULL LICENSE *** I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "About a month then." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where in the hope of finding them." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and awaited us upon the table. than was visible to me." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions throat." head. So long, then!" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have breakfast." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the o'clock is it?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining present strange and interesting features that it is no easy For additional contact information: "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "What, then?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly his grey eyes. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I my little problems." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the warnings." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Your presence might be invaluable." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable you in your example." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. burst out into a roar of laughter. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "No." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." father's place of business?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I cannot think." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the will be renamed. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until was keenly on my guard against him. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or four million human beings all jostling each other within the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one which our visitor detailed to us. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the it." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "On Monday." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the call it cruel." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this ways of our fellow-men." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I know where it is." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? there is a decided draught." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the bed, and you in that chair." highroad, where all traces were lost. "My stepfather's business papers." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Then the page we have seen--" "You don't mind breaking the law?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for grasp, he hurried from the room. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else populous neighbourhood." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "You are all wrong." "It came here." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "It surprised me." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. His name is Francis Prosper." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." outsides of the windows. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and into the room. brain must have something in it." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Were they all fastened this morning?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless shaken than I had ever seen him. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "A client, then?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Holmes' face clouded over. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Edgeware Road. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "No sign of it?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "10th. John Swain cleared. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the bottom.' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the at once, for I have only half an hour." "I was afraid that you were engaged." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little our word." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side client, rising. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there recover the gem." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Holmes' thin, eager face.